As intense heat waves become more common, the risk of heat-related deaths is rising.
Deaths from heat-related illnesses in the United States have more than doubled since 1999, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.
“Heat-related mortality rates have been rising steadily since 2016, the researchers noted, with the highest number recorded in 2023, the hottest year on record,” writes Samantha Anderer. The mortality rate rose by 17 percent between 2016 and 2023.
The researchers add that some deaths may be misclassified, so heat-related deaths could be higher. “The researchers noted that the rise in temperatures from climate change would increase these types of deaths even more.”
FULL STORY: Study: Heat-Related Deaths on the Rise in US Since 2016
Arizona had its hottest spring in 131 years
Average March temperatures across the state were 12.5 degrees above normal.
LA County Adopts Maximum Indoor Temperature Ordinance to Protect Renters from Extreme Heat
LA County has adopted an ordinance capping indoor temperatures in rental units at 82 degrees Fahrenheit in unincorporated areas, aiming to protect renters from extreme heat while providing phased compliance and support for small landlords.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Children
As summers get hotter and more dangerous, parents can take steps to protect kids from heat-related illnesses.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
Guerilla urbanists are building DIY bus stop benches in Chicago
A before-and-after of one of the bus stops with a new bench. The new benches are not officially sanctioned or permitted, but the residents who placed them hope they will be the start of a network of DIY benches across the city.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association