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We are all aware the climate is changing, it’s getting hotter. For cities in the middle of the desert, it is already a huge problem. Phoenix, Arizona last summer experienced 103 consecutive days of triple-digit heat with record setting deaths from heat. It was often 100° heat in the shade.
Now, actions are being put in place to help.
The need for shade and water fountains is the first part of the plan. Bus stops now have shade structures. Tree parks are being planted using native trees and cactus. Public service announcements recommend always wearing a hat and carrying water.
But there are also people in Phoenix promoting innovation. One ambitious scheme in a city of hard surfaces such as concrete and glass which absorb heat, it to repave sidewalks using materials that reflect the sun and so stay cooler. The plan is to repave 36 miles of sidewalks.
Another plan calls for cool corridors where trees are planted, and no resident is more than a five-minute walk from water or shade.
Individual communities are provided with “spaces of opportunity” where local people can plant and grow food.
More cities are also positioning themselves to deal with the inevitable changes that the climate crisis will bring.
