Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Chicago When It Sizzles
Jul 1, 2022
In this discussion, sociologist Eric Klinenberg delves into the devastating 1995 Chicago heatwave, revealing how social isolation drastically influenced the death toll in different neighborhoods. He emphasizes the critical role of community connections and the need for robust social infrastructure to combat such crises. Klinenberg also draws parallels between this historical event and contemporary challenges posed by climate change, stressing that urban planning must address not just physical but also social factors to enhance resilience.
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Chicago Heatwave 1995
- Chicago faced a deadly heatwave in July 1995, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.
- The city's infrastructure struggled, and the morgue overflowed as the death toll climbed.
Power Grid Failure
- Power outages worsened the crisis, with transformer failures leaving thousands without electricity.
- The lack of air conditioning and elevators trapped vulnerable residents in the sweltering heat.
Overwhelmed Morgue
- The Cook County Morgue, overwhelmed by bodies, resorted to using refrigerated trucks from a meatpacking plant.
- The morgue staff, recalling a disaster drill, managed the crisis despite limited resources.
