The disaster our cities are not prepared for

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Tropical Storm Beryl hit Houston in July, causing widespread power outages and leaving two-thirds of homes without electricity, some for over a week
• The blackout coincided with a heatwave, pushing vulnerable residents to the brink as temperatures rose
• Experts warn that U.S. cities are unprepared for the deadly combination of prolonged power outages and extreme heat, which could result in thousands of deaths

🔭 The context: Houston's aging electricity grid, frequent hurricanes, and rising temperatures make it particularly vulnerable to blackouts and heatwaves
• As hurricanes become stronger and overlap with hotter months, cities like Houston face a dangerous "recipe for disaster" 
• Climate change is exacerbating these risks, increasing the frequency and severity of such events

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This situation highlights the growing threats posed by climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe
• Heatwaves and power outages are becoming life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for cities to strengthen their infrastructure and climate resilience

⏭️ What's next: Houston and other cities must urgently address their power grid vulnerabilities and develop comprehensive heat response plans, including equipping cooling centers with generators
• As climate change intensifies, infrastructure improvements and better emergency planning are crucial to prevent future disasters

💬 One quote: “I think it’s an absolute certainty that we will have an extreme heat wave and an extended blackout in the United States,” said Brian Stone, director of the Urban Climate Lab at Georgia Tech

📈 One stat: Houston residents are 2.7 times more likely to experience power outages compared to the average American

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