Heat Wave + Power Failure in Phoenix Could Result in 12,800 Deaths
A study reveals that blackouts in the country have doubled in the past eight years, while climate change worsens heatwaves and cities like Phoenix contribute to heat islands through urban development. The study focuses on Phoenix and simulates a scenario of a heat wave with temperatures around 110F and a two-day power grid blackout. The findings suggest that nearly 800,000 people in Phoenix would suffer from heat-related illnesses, overwhelming the city’s emergency room capacity, and approximately 12,800 people could die as a result. The study aims to promote discussions between local and federal governments to enhance preparedness for such large-scale hazards.
