Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

hatrack

(59,605 posts)
Sun Nov 12, 2023, 10:04 AM Nov 2023

579 Heat Deaths In 2023 In Phoenix, 45% Among Homeless; All-Time One-Year Record

Heat deaths surged by 50% in Phoenix in 2023 – the deadliest year on record after extreme temperatures pummeled America’s hottest city, official figures show. At least 579 people lost their lives to heat this year, with senior citizens accounting for one in three deaths, according to the year’s final heat surveillance report by the medical examiner’s office in Maricopa county, where Phoenix is located. Another 56 suspected heat deaths are still under investigation.

At least 45% of people who died were unsheltered and sleeping behind dumpsters, in car parks or on the burning hot sidewalk – even as daily temperatures hit 115F (46C) or higher on 22 different days. Heat deaths are always preventable given the right resources, according to public health experts.

The annual heat death toll has risen threefold since 2019, as the city’s affordable housing and addiction crises have converged with the climate emergency. Almost 1,900 people have died in the past five years, and thousands more have needed emergency medical help.

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona and America’s fifth-largest city with 1.6 million people, is accustomed to a hot desert climate, but temperatures are rising due to global heating – made worse by decades of unchecked urban development that created a sprawling heat island. In 2021, the city created a dedicated extreme heat office to tackle the rising death toll and make the stifling urban landscape more livable by increasing tree cover and built shade – especially in low-income neighborhoods which are often the least green and the hottest.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
579 Heat Deaths In 2023 In Phoenix, 45% Among Homeless; All-Time One-Year Record (Original Post) hatrack Nov 2023 OP
link... CousinIT Nov 2023 #1
Thank you! hatrack Nov 2023 #3
Who will speak justaprogressive Nov 2023 #2
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Environment & Energy»579 Heat Deaths In 2023 I...