Record-Breaking Summer Heat Threatens Americans, Energy Bills Soar
This summer has been cooler than last year in many places, but it's still shaping up to be one of the hottest on record. Extreme heat is a silent killer, claiming more American lives annually than hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined. Meanwhile, energy prices are rising, leaving many struggling to keep cool.
Despite a cooler start, this summer is likely to rank among the two or three hottest since records began in 1850. The East Coast experienced a major heat wave in July, while California's coast had its coldest June and July in decades. However, extreme heat remains a significant threat. It kills more Americans each year than other natural disasters combined.
Electricity bills have increased by 10% nationally since Trump took office, with a projected 6.2% rise from last year. This leaves many Americans vulnerable, especially during heat waves. Only 21 states and Washington, D.C. have policies preventing power shut-offs during summer for those who can't afford their bills, compared to 40 states and D.C. for winter months.
AC, responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gases, is a lifeline for many. Yet, the Trump administration has targeted federal programs that measure heat, offer hot weather mapping tools, and provide grants for those without AC. The 2026 federal budget proposes cuts to these programs, potentially leaving more Americans at risk.
As summers continue to break records, the need for affordable cooling solutions becomes more pressing. With nearly a quarter of US homes experiencing energy insecurity, it's crucial to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat. Despite the proposed cuts, it's important to advocate for policies that ensure no one is left in the heat.
Read also:
- Postpartum Period and Gestational Diabetes: Does it Persist?
- Controlled spree of Legionnaires' disease among Harlem residents ceased, city health authorities confirm; however, locals push for increased openness and information disclosure
- Transform City for the Better
- Prostate Cancer Examination Guidelines, Outcomes, and Financial Aspects
