A study by researchers at ASU, the University of Washington and the University of Texas at Austin accentuates the extent to which the trend toward more extreme heat is impacting society in people’s everyday lives, especially in large urban areas. The research project led by Professor Ram Pendyala, director of the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the Fulton Schools, provides suggestions for solutions to guide policymakers in taking actions to ensure urban planning and public transit systems are designed to help cities provide more heat-resilient urban environments. Ideas include more trees for shade, heat-reflective pavement materials and adjustable work schedules.

See also: Researchers make concerning findings about the way extreme heat impacts us: ‘This is a clear call for targeted policy interventions’, TCD-The Cool Down, October 24