Heat Wave Exacerbates Disparities in Minority Communities

Extreme heat waves are hitting the US, with record-breaking temperatures observed in places like California's Death Valley. Discriminatory practices like redlining have left minority and low-income neighborhoods vulnerable to heat-related deaths due to lack of resources and access to cooling systems. In cities like New York, people of color and low-income residents are disproportionately affected by heat-related fatalities, highlighting systemic inequalities. Mortality records from various cities demonstrate that heat-related deaths follow racial and socioeconomic lines, with Black communities suffering the most. Urgent measures are needed to address the impact of extreme heat on marginalized communities.