The hottest summer ever

September 13, 2024, Southern Environmental Law Center

The South is already known for having hot summers, but climate change amplifies the effects of extreme heat and makes heat waves more frequent and more intense. By the middle of this century, much of the Southeast can expect to see an average of 90 days per year over 90 degrees due to climate change, compared to the historical average of about 40 days per year over 90 degrees. And extreme heat combined with the humidity the region is famous for makes it harder for people to keep their bodies cool and safe.  

In this piece we explore how communities across the South are working to address heat islands.