Coalition Urges FEMA to Declare Heat a Disaster

A coalition of environmental, labor, and healthcare groups has petitioned FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as 'major disasters' to access federal funding for affected states. The proposal aims to aid communities financially impacted by climate change-induced heatwaves and fires by providing resources like cooling centers and air filtration systems. With 2023 being the hottest year on record and heat-related deaths increasing, there is a pressing need for proactive measures. Labor and environmental organizations are advocating for FEMA's recognition of extreme heat as a major disaster to safeguard vulnerable populations and prevent further heat-related illnesses and fatalities.