99% Invisible Not Built For This #6: Maximum Temperature
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Sep 6, 2024 Extreme heat in Phoenix is causing not just property damage, but also a collapse of ecosystems, including saguaro cacti. The rising temperatures are linked to a public health crisis, with vulnerable populations facing deadly consequences, especially during heatwaves. The potential for power grid failures during such events raises alarming concerns for emergency response systems. The stories shared highlight societal inequities in access to cooling resources, revealing the urgent need for sustainable adaptation amidst climate change.
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Saguaros Dying
- Saguaros, adapted to Phoenix heat, are dying due to extreme temperatures.
- This raises concerns about human survivability in such conditions.
Goodell's Heat Experience
- Jeff Goodell, a climate writer, had a dizzying experience walking 20 blocks in Phoenix heat.
- This sparked his interest in the physiological impacts of climate change.
Heat's Impact
- Climate change impacts are often measured in property damage, but heat's impact is physiological.
- The term "global warming" downplays the severity of rising temperatures.