What this desert city can teach the world about tackling heat deaths

July 17, 2026

Phoenix, Arizona, has emerged as a global model for combating heat-related deaths after implementing comprehensive heat safety programs that appear to be working. Following a peak of 645 heat deaths in 2023, Maricopa County reduced fatalities to 405 in 2025 through initiatives including expanded cooling centers, free air conditioning repairs for low-income residents, and hiring the world's first heat officer in 2021. While Europe and other US regions experienced thousands of heat deaths during recent heatwaves as extreme temperatures become the new normal, Phoenix's experience with chronic high temperatures has allowed it to develop effective interventions.

Who is affected

Residents of Maricopa County/Phoenix, Arizona
Low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness (specifically targeted by cooling programs)
Residents of France (2,000+ excess deaths in late June)
Residents of England and Wales (2,700+ estimated heat deaths since May)
US residents (44 heat-related deaths over July 4th weekend)
Communities across the US and Europe experiencing extreme heat

What action is being taken

Maricopa County is providing consistent, open access to cooling spaces with expanded hours (some open 24 hours)
The county is offering eligible residents repairs or replacements to air conditioning systems
Phoenix employs a heat officer to oversee heat-related initiatives
Officials are running communications and coordination among government offices regarding heat programs
Heat-related deaths are being investigated (282 under investigation as of July 11)

Why it matters

This matters because extreme heat is no longer temporary but represents a new normal due to climate change, with nighttime temperatures failing to cool sufficiently for bodies to recover. Heat is not merely a health crisis but also an infrastructure and economic issue, causing roads to buckle and flights to be delayed. Phoenix's successful reduction in heat deaths from 645 to 405 demonstrates that coordinated policy interventions can save lives, providing a replicable blueprint for communities worldwide that are experiencing unprecedented and deadly temperatures. Without designated responsibility and comprehensive planning, heat deaths will continue to rise as the world has already warmed by more than 1.1C and temperatures will keep increasing.

What's next

Cities need to appoint heat officers to oversee initiatives
Jurisdictions must shift from planning for historic heat to planning for heat expected in the next 5-10 years
Governments must make steep cuts to emissions (though temperatures will continue rising for some time regardless)
Communities need to develop widespread acknowledgement that heat dangers are permanent, not temporary

Read full article from source: BBC