A coalition of environmental non-profit organizations has urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) to add extreme heat and wildfire smoke to its list of major disasters that could qualify for emergency funding. The Center for Biological Diversity signed a joint petition on Monday, calling on Fema to officially recognize the increasing number of heat-related crises.
“It’s past time for Fema to address the climate emergency head-on,” said Jean Su, energy justice director and senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “That means unlocking crucial funding for local governments to build robust and resilient solutions like community solar and storage, cooling centers and air filtration. That’s a critical way we can protect workers and vulnerable communities from the ravages of the climate emergency.”
More than 270 million Americans – roughly 80% of the country’s population – are currently experiencing a kind of heatwave, with temperatures at or above 90F (32.2C) for long periods of time. Experts say the type of heatwave the north-east is facing has not been seen in decades, and it’s not even July yet. Scientists warn that heatwaves are increasing in frequency as the climate crisis intensifies due to human activity, especially burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Last year was the hottest year on record, and the US faced the most heatwaves since 1936. The risks associated with intense heat include more wildfires, poor air quality, and a strain on infrastructure that delivers much needed power to keep cool. The National Weather Service says heat is the leading disaster-related killer in the US, killing more people than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined.
Extreme HeatOne construction worker dies every three days in Texas, and a huge factor in these deaths is heat, whether it’s heat stroke or hyperthermia or in some cases, prolonged illness that can affect eyesight and quality of life. Communities of color, including Latines, generally reside in areas that are more susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and even affect the brain’s function.
A federal standard to qualify heat and wildfire smoke as a major disaster would make way for life-saving and proactive resources and support in these vulnerable communities and areas. Fema has not issued a specific response to the petition, but the agency’s spokesperson for the western US states said there was nothing that would preclude an emergency declaration for extreme heat, noting that there would need to be an immediate threat to life and safety that local authorities could not respond to.
As the summer heat intensifies, it’s clear that the climate emergency demands action. It’s time for Fema to recognize the gravity of the situation and provide the necessary resources to help communities cope with the devastating impacts of extreme heat and wildfire smoke.