1 min
100 Days at 100 Degrees - How are Big City's Handling it?
This summer was a scorcher. And for some residents living in places like Phoenix, Arizona it feels like summer will never end. A recent Los Angeles Times piece titled: 100 days of 100-degree misery: A summer of relentless, oppressive heat across the West took a close look at how cities are coping with record breaking heat and heat waves that are stretching longer than three month durations. And when reporters are covering complicated topics like this it's experts like UC Irvine's Amir AghaKouchak they seek out to help with question and coverage. Amir AghaKouchak studies how climate change and variability influence extreme events (flood/drought/heatwaves) and compound hazards. "The city’s disparity in climate resilience is even visible from neighborhood to neighborhood, Amir AghaKouchak, a UC Irvine civil and environmental engineering professor, said. More affluent areas are better protected from extreme heat with vegetation and shade, while poorer areas have less shade and air conditioning. While people can’t stop heat waves from happening, he added, they can prepare as best they can for the sweltering conditions. “[Having a water bottle] can be the difference between heat stroke or no heat stroke, especially for vulnerable populations,” AghaKouchak said. September 05 Los Angeles Times Covering climate and the environment is no easy assignment but if you have a story we can help. Amir AghaKouchak is available to speak with reports on these subjects simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
