Key Takeaways
- States and local governments must prioritize protections against extreme heat as federal funding decreases.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health issues, prompting new legislation in New York for school temperature regulations.
- Extreme heat negatively impacts learning outcomes, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and resources in educational settings.
Increasing Heat Impacts on Children
As federal funding for extreme heat protection dwindles, local governments are called upon to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children. Dr. John Balbus, former deputy assistant secretary for Health and Human Services, emphasized this need during a recent webinar organized by the Center for American Progress. According to experts, children lack the physiological ability to cope with high temperatures effectively, making them especially at risk during heat events.
The intensity and frequency of extreme heat occurrences is increasing, with 2023 expected to be among the warmest years recorded. Autumn Burton, a senior associate at the Federation of American Scientists, pointed out that communities previously unaffected by extreme heat are now facing this challenge without proper infrastructure or planning to address it. Research indicates that for every 1-degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature above the average annual level, learning outcomes can drop by 1 percent. Consequently, school closures due to extreme heat correlate directly with decreased classroom time and, subsequently, a decline in educational performance.
Recent legislative actions reflect growing concern. The New York legislature passed a new bill that requires schools to manage heat-related discomfort. Under this law, when indoor temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit, schools must take steps to alleviate discomfort, and if temperatures hit 88 degrees, students and staff must be relocated from the space.
Joan Lombardi, director of the Early Opportunities Initiative, noted that extreme heat adversely affects children’s health, behavior, and overall well-being. Advocates stress the necessity for schools and child care centers to have adequate resources for hydration, shade, emergency planning, and infrastructure improvements, such as enhancing HVAC systems.
The push for protective measures is not without challenges. New York State Senator James Skoufis, who sponsored the heat regulation bill, faced considerable opposition from school superintendents who were worried about financial burdens. Nevertheless, he argues that providing a comfortable learning environment is essential and cannot be deemed a luxury. Skoufis highlighted the critical need for lawmakers to engage with their communities to fully understand the impact of extreme heat on students and teachers, urging them to visit classrooms and see the conditions firsthand.
Overall, local and state authorities must step up to protect children from the dangers of extreme heat, particularly as climate change exacerbates these conditions. The focus should remain on creating better infrastructure and providing necessary resources to ensure the safety and well-being of young learners.
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