How extreme heat is rewriting the job of state government
Summary
U.S. states are creating new roles and plans to handle more extreme heat caused by climate change. States like Massachusetts and Arizona are appointing heat officers, improving cooling options, and protecting workers and schools from heat dangers.Key Facts
- July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S.
- Massachusetts appointed a heat resilience officer, becoming the first East Coast state to do so.
- Arizona has a chief heat officer coordinating heat-response efforts and runs mobile cooling centers.
- California has a dedicated extreme heat office and a funding program supporting heat resilience.
- Heat causes about 1,500 emergency room visits annually in Massachusetts.
- One in five public schools in Massachusetts lacks air conditioning.
- States plan to include heat hazard measures in local planning by 2028.
- Efforts focus on helping vulnerable communities with less shade and green space.
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