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The Opinions

It’s Time We Start Naming America’s Deadliest Climate Disasters

Sep 17, 2024
Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist renowned for his research on heat-related disasters, sheds light on the often-overlooked fatality of heat waves. He reveals that heat waves surpass hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods in American deaths. Klinenberg argues for a revolutionary approach: naming heat waves to elevate public awareness and preparedness. He emphasizes how this simple change could transform perceptions and save lives by urging people to take these invisible killers seriously.
07:53

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Quick takeaways

  • Heat waves cause more American fatalities than hurricanes, yet they receive less urgency and attention in disaster preparedness.
  • Naming heat waves can enhance public awareness and drive action, similar to how hurricanes are managed, potentially saving lives.

Deep dives

The Lethality of Heat Waves

Heat waves are a significant and often overlooked threat, causing more fatalities than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined. In typical years, they kill more Americans than other natural disasters, yet their invisibility makes them harder to visualize and prepare for. For example, during the devastating 1995 Chicago heat wave, the city experienced temperatures soaring to 106 degrees, leading to a surge in emergency calls as hospitals became overwhelmed with heat-related illnesses. This tragedy illustrates the lethal consequences of extreme heat, particularly when public officials fail to recognize the urgency or severity of the situation.

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