Findings from an ASU study show how extreme heat impacts daily lives
As Phoenix and other cities break seasonal heat records, research is showing the extensive impacts the sizzling temperatures related to many societal activities and trends. A study by ASU, University of Washington and University of Texas researchers reports on how prolonged hots streaks are altering behavior in travel — particularly downturns in use of public transportation and overall travel — and putting a burden on low-income populations with limited resources. The situation is exacerbating inequalities, says Professor Ram Pendyala, director of the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the Futon Schools, who leads the ASU research team. Irfan Batur, a research assistant professor in the school stresses that extreme heat is becoming a major public health challenge.