As extreme temperatures continue to rise in cities across the United States, residents are increasingly feeling the effects of heat waves. Erin Ashlock-Romero, a mother from Albuquerque, New Mexico, faced unbearable conditions last summer when her apartment’s cooling system failed. With three children, including a one-year-old, she temporarily relocated to her mother’s more comfortable one-bedroom apartment. Ashlock-Romero expressed concern for families left without such options, highlighting the tough reality many are facing as Albuquerque experiences some of the hottest conditions in the country.
In 2024, Albuquerque recorded its heat index above 90 degrees on 77 days, a significant rise from previous years. This pattern reflects a broader trend across the nation, where eight in ten major cities have seen an increase in extreme heat days since 1985 according to a USA TODAY analysis. The spring of 2025 is already poised to be one of the hottest on record, with a 99% chance this year ranks among the top five for high global temperatures, driven by a combination of increased temperature and humidity.
Communities are grappling with these rising temperatures as health risks escalate. Prolonged exposure to heat indices above 80 degrees can lead to serious conditions including heat stroke, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Rising temperatures not only impact individual well-being but also present challenges to schools, as demonstrated by Whitney Holland, an educator in New Mexico, who has experienced firsthand how outdated cooling systems in schools fail to keep up with the intense heat. As a result, Holland, now the president of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, advocates for improved infrastructure and safety protocols.
In response to these intensifying climate challenges, cities like Albuquerque are taking action. Recently, city officials mandated that rental properties must have adequate cooling systems to protect residents from extreme heat. Additionally, state proposals aim to enhance workplace protections against heat-related risks, mirroring similar initiatives pushed in states like New York and Oregon.
Urban environments are particularly affected by the urban heat island effect, where dense construction and minimal vegetation lead to even higher temperatures. This has prompted many cities to launch tree-planting initiatives, with the goal of reducing heat exposure and improving air quality. For example, New York City aims to plant thousands of trees, while Austin seeks to cover a significant portion of the city with trees to create shade and counteract rising heat.
Though the current circumstances may seem dire, efforts to adapt and address the aging infrastructure and community needs offer hope for more resilient urban living conditions. As communities engage with the dual challenges of climate change and urban development, the focus on cooling innovations and green initiatives may provide a brighter future for cities grappling with extreme heat.