Introduction

In episode 192 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Kelly Turner and Dr. Ladd Keith. Kelly is an Associate Professor of Urban Planning at UCLA and Ladd is an assistant professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning at the University of Arizona.  We learn how extreme heat disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.  We also explore the evolving media coverage of extreme heat. The three of us break down the highs and lows of all the media coverage of extreme heat this past summer.  We also learn about Kelly’s research on heat's impact on California schools, and what that means for both public health and student learning.  We take a dive into federal approaches to heat management and learn about the glaring disparity in resources and attention allocated to extreme heat compared to other climate hazards and ponder the potential for FEMA to classify extreme heat as a disaster declaration.  We also discuss the value of having a national adaptation plan for extreme heat planning. Finally, and yes, we go there, we get an update on the efforts to name heat waves. We highlight the pros and cons of this approach and discuss other options.  It is a gangbuster episode and that’s just a sampling of what we cover.

Transcripts for this episode available here. (These are computer generated so pardon the errors.)

Topics Covered: 

• Dr. Turner specializes in heat equity research, while Dr. Keith focuses on heat policy planning and governance.
• Increasing prevalence of extreme heat due to climate change and its disproportionate impact on marginalized groups.
• Media coverage of extreme heat is becoming more sophisticated, highlighting impacts on workers and public health.
• Dr. Turner's research in California focuses on schools and heat’s impact on student learning.
• Discussion of heating planning strategies including shade in urban design.
• The Biden administration is updating heat safety labor laws, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulations at state and federal levels and the potential for FEMA labeling heat events as disaster declarations.
• Naming heat waves to increase public awareness is debated, highlighting the importance of reaching vulnerable populations.
• Will heat lead to managed retreat from regions that become uninhabitable?
• A national adaptation plan is emphasized to address heat impacts, especially for marginalized communities.
• Thoughts on Jeff Goodell’s “The Heat Will Kill You” book. 

Donate to America Adapts

Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.

Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laddkeith/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-kelly-turner-a321a21b/

Links in this episode: https://luskin.ucla.edu/person/v-kelly-turner https://www.laddkeith.com/

Shade is an essential solution for hotter citieshttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02311-3

Opinion: How California can keep kids cool amid extreme heat https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-07-18/california-extreme-heat-schools-kids-equity

How cities are battling extreme heat, and why record-breaking temps don't tell the whole story https://news.arizona.edu/story/how-cities-are-battling-extreme-heat-and-why-record-breaking-temps-dont-tell-whole-story?fbclid=IwAR0YgLHqTVhNXpZnE5T_mpLf-N9ZxA2VaqE-b1BpZuKIVU96pFXRZhM1zjk

Southwest Urban Corridor Integrated Field Laboratory https://sw-ifl.asu.edu/?fbclid=IwAR0H703Z4jWEheQDYuv2N2cQzvrJOVkM11LW001tZBJIR6GmfTma9NW77TE

https://climas.arizona.edu/?fbclid=IwAR0H703Z4jWEheQDYuv2N2cQzvrJOVkM11LW001tZBJIR6GmfTma9NW77TE

Reporting on Extreme Heat and Healthhttps://ghhin.org/press/?fbclid=IwAR04LNV-ZvBvIOV-nMLFROLO0ZWu1MdJmIZ7ofuNQ92VihN0smNmhPt12U4

Donate to America Adapts

Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android

Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!

Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts

Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization!

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1 https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/

Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders

The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisorhttp://theclimateadvisor.com/the-best-climate-change-podcasts/

7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight ithttps://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813 Directions on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexahttps://youtu.be/949R8CRpUYU

America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure!  Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.”

Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!

For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.  

Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com