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Southern Nevada has among the hottest climates in the country and research predicts our region will experience a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in the coming decades.<\/p>\r\n
So how can we prepare for what\u2019s ahead?\u00a0 The RTC recently completed a study in cooperation with local agencies that not only identified areas of our community most vulnerable to extreme heat, but also provided a survey of best practices and innovative strategies from around the country for ways get in front of it.<\/p>\r\n
The study found that areas with populations most vulnerable to extreme heat were concentrated in and around the valley\u2019s urban core and east side. These areas include some of the region\u2019s older neighborhoods, and because they are at lower elevations than the western half of the valley, they experience naturally higher temperatures. While everyone is vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat to some extent, it is in these more vulnerable areas that exposure and sensitivity to heat are heightened, and the ability to adapt may be limited.<\/p>\r\n
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With the knowledge gained from this study, the RTC and its partners are working now to identify opportunities to beat the heat.\u00a0 The RTC is applying for and providing input on federal grants aimed at addressing urban heat, deploying an extreme heat survey among its transit riders over the summer, and coordinating a valley-wide heat island-mapping effort.\u00a0 And partner efforts include Clark County\u2019s extreme heat community resource website, the cities of Henderson and Las Vegas tree canopy programs, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority\u2019s updated regional plant list for our warming climate.<\/p>\r\n