Consider This from NPR We're not built for this heat
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Jun 25, 2025 Tens of millions are under intense heat advisories, causing asphalt to buckle and disrupting train services. An engineering professor explores how extreme temperatures affect transportation infrastructure and highlights the need for better design. Practical tips for staying cool are offered, from home ventilation strategies to hydration methods. The discussion also emphasizes the increasing frequency of heat waves due to climate change and the urgency for renewable energy solutions to mitigate pollution.
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Why Early Heat Waves Are Risky
- Early season heat waves are dangerous because people and bodies are unprepared.
- Our bodies need time to adapt through physiological changes like sweating more effectively.
Infrastructure Not Designed for Heat
- Many US cities aren't built for extreme heat due to historic climate patterns.
- Buildings designed to retain heat worsen the impact of hotter summers.
Heat Impacts on Transport Infrastructure
- Heat causes roads to buckle and railways to expand, forcing slower train speeds.
- Transit agencies must consider safety, maintenance, and worker health during heat events.