ASU study shows impact extreme heat has on society

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona State University released a new study Wednesday amid a record-breaking heat wave across Arizona. The researchers began writing the paper during a record-breaking summer in 2023 and finished it as the valley’s autumn began its hottest start on record.

Professor Ram Pendyala teaches students in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering.

He was one of the researchers who wanted to find out how extreme heat affects human behavior and our movement. He believes that more extreme heat will be the trend in the future.

“This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and is affecting the quality of life,” Pendyala said. “How can we make it easier for people doing activities and exercise to access their jobs and other opportunities in a way that minimizes exposure?

Pendyala said her research shows that as temperatures rise, people tend to stay indoors and at home more often. However, those who cannot afford to stay at home and have to work may be more exposed to heat and heat-related illnesses.

“Significantly restricts the outdoor activities people participate in. Less socializing, less shopping, less social recreation.”

The professor says that people with lower incomes are the most affected. If you don’t have a car and rely on walking or cycling, you can be exposed to the heat and endanger your health.

“We can have cooling centers all we want, but people need to get to work, people need to shop, people need to socialize.”

The study looked at northern cities and how they deal with freezing temperatures and snow. The professor says Arizona could do something similar to the “snow days” people have up north.

“They declare snow days. And schools and workplaces close. We should think about the same thing in extreme heat and declare extreme heat days.”

Pendyala also believes vouchers would be helpful for people without cars to find a ride to work. It would get people door-to-door and help those who can’t afford Uber rides get to work again and again.

Cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota, have “skywalks,” or hallways that connect buildings, so people don’t have to go outside, even during inclement winter weather.

Pendyala says we should consider this around the valley so that people can stay indoors during the hot summer months.

Read the full comprehensive study below

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