America’s hottest city is nearly unlivable in summer. Can cooling technologies save it?
by Nina Lakhani Climate justice reporter from US news | The Guardian on (#5VFG7)
Phoenix's new heat tsar' is betting on less asphalt, more green canopy and reflective surfaces to cool the sprawling heat island
A surge in heat-related deaths amid record-breaking summer temperatures offer a glimpse into the future" and a stark warning that one of America's largest cities is already unlivable for some, according to its new heat tsar.
Almost 200 people died from extreme heat in Phoenix in 2020 - the hottest, driest and deadliest summer on record with 53 days topping 110F (43C) compared with a previous high of 33 days. Last year there were fewer scorching days, but the death toll remained staggeringly high, with people experiencing homelessness and addictions dying disproportionately.
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