US Cities Face Increasing Heat Challenges

Seville is implementing a €5 million cooling strategy using the ancient Persian qanat technique to combat extreme heat, which has become a significant health threat in urban areas. The trend of rising temperatures is echoed across the U.S., where all but three of the 50 most populated cities have seen an increase in 'extremely hot' days over the past five decades, with cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix reporting over 80 days above 95 degrees this summer. The impact of extreme heat is also affecting major events like the Paris Olympics, as future host cities may face temperatures exceeding safe limits for outdoor activities by 2050. Analysis shows that by then, 60% of global locations will exceed the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommended threshold for outdoor activity cancellation. The urban heat island effect exacerbates these conditions, particularly in cities where infrastructure amplifies heat. Cities are facing a dual challenge of adapting to current heat crises while preparing for a hotter future.