Extreme heat

Heat waves can cause adverse health effects and even be fatal. How are people and cities preparing for a world with more extreme heat?

More than 400 workers died due to heat exposure between 2011 and 2021, according to federal records. Five states have created their own workplace heat safety rules, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working on a new safety standard.

Along with the obvious human case for looking out for employees, climate change poses a serious threat to productivity and retention.

Low-income workers who aren't able to choose their work schedules are especially hard hit. And that has a cost of its own.

The government also boosts funding for a FEMA program to help communities prepare for extreme heat and other climate-related disasters.