3E: Heat a growing risk for all Utahns

Heat now causes more deaths than any other weather-related hazard in the U.S. Health impacts are greater for people without access to air conditioning and those who work or exercise outdoors—including visitors to Utah’s parks and protected areas^[1][2]. Those with health conditions, older people, and children are also at higher risk. High temperatures in school buildings directly inhibit student learning^[3], yet many schools in Utah lack air conditioning and cope with extremes by adjusting schedules or shortening school days. Utahns have historically relied on our cool nights to protect us from some of the serious health risks caused by extreme heat, but nighttime low temperatures are rising in urban heat islands^[4] such as along the Wasatch Front. The health impacts of heat are also made worse for Utahns by summer air pollution: Ozone is typically most dangerous in urban areas on the hottest days, and hot, dry weather can exacerbate regional wildfires that create hazardous air quality.

Decision-makers in Utah have not yet had extensive experience responding to extreme heat^[5], but many Utahns are now worried about the risks to their health, especially those in low-income neighborhoods most exposed to urban heat.

Solutions exist to help Utahns adapt to our hotter climate: Improvements in weather forecasting now allow for earlier heat warnings so that people can prepare themselves and care for at-risk family members and neighbors. Urban heat exposure can be reduced with growing adoption of green infrastructure and reflective roofing and paving materials. Transitioning to clean electricity sources can promote access to cooling while also reducing air pollution and helping avoid an even more dangerously hot climate.