In our affluent country, it is truly unfathomable that we allow blue-collar workers and economically disadvantaged individuals to perish unnecessarily in sweltering heat. Countless lives could be saved through improved access to air-conditioned and safe spaces, proper hydration, outreach workers who provide heat safety information, and regular check-ins on the most vulnerable populations.
Fortunately, there are already commendable examples of proactive measures being taken. For instance, Dallas has implemented an assistance program that distributes and installs free air-conditioning units for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we can alleviate and mitigate energy bills for those who are facing economic hardship. By establishing more cooling stations and increasing tree canopies to mitigate heat islands, we can effectively combat extreme temperatures. Water stations for migrants, as well as legal protections for outdoor workers, are also crucial steps. Furthermore, we can each contribute by volunteering, donating to, and supporting organizations that provide relief to our struggling neighbors.
The lethal economic disparities in our nation are a stark reality. Families like mine may grumble about the heat during the summer, but we possess the means to cope. We have the luxury of going to pools, taking trips to cooler destinations, or seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces such as bookstores and coffee shops. However, all of these options require financial resources.
Equally important is the presence of a safety net consisting of both relationships and resources that minimize the dangers of extreme heat. In the unfortunate event that our air-conditioner malfunctions, my family has numerous individuals we can depend on for temporary shelter until repairs are made. These valuable social connections and community networks demonstrate the crucial role that religious and civic institutions play. Sociologist Robert Putnam highlights the social capital offered by religious organizations like churches, which foster informal community networks that support and rescue individuals from loneliness and neglect. As a pastor, I have witnessed firsthand the power of these connections as church members actively check in on and care for one another, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
As a society, we cannot absolve ourselves of responsibility when it comes to these tragic deaths, merely attributing them to numbers on a thermometer. Human society and industry have played a significant role in the escalating heat of climate change. Yet, we have collectively failed to ensure the safety of those most at risk. Therefore, as the number of heat-related fatalities continues to rise, let us not only label them as heat-related deaths, but acknowledge that they are also a result of poverty, neglect, a societal preference for the wealthy, and a reluctance to address the preventable suffering endured by the most vulnerable.
Tish Harrison Warren (@Tish_H_Warren) is an Anglican Church priest in North America and the author of “Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep.”
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