As record heat waves occur worldwide due to climate change, Phoenix, a desert city in the United States, is gaining attention for its innovative response strategies. By increasing access to air conditioning and significantly expanding cooling facilities, the city has successfully reduced heat-related deaths, offering a model that could be applicable in other countries.
On July 18, BBC reported on the heat response policies in Phoenix and Maricopa County, stating, "The world has much to learn from this region."
This summer, the United States and Europe have faced unprecedented heat waves, resulting in significant loss of life. In France, excess deaths during the heat wave at the end of June reached 2,025, while in England and Wales, over 2,700 deaths have been attributed to heat-related causes since May. In the U.S., at least 44 people died from the heat during the Independence Day weekend on July 4.
Experts note that the nature of recent heat waves has changed compared to the past. Not only are daytime temperatures high, but nighttime temperatures also fail to drop sufficiently, preventing the body from cooling down and recovering.
A researcher studying extreme climates at Yale University told BBC, "People think the current heat is at the same level as it was ten years ago, but it is actually much more severe. The inability of nighttime temperatures to drop is the biggest issue."
In this context, Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, has achieved relatively significant results. Heat-related deaths in the area peaked at 645 in 2023 but decreased to 405 in 2025. Experts believe that policy changes have contributed significantly to this decline.
A key factor has been the expansion of access to air conditioning. Many heat-related deaths involved low-income individuals or the homeless, prompting the county to extend the operating hours of cooling centers, with some facilities open 24 hours. Additionally, residents who meet eligibility criteria received financial assistance for air conditioning repairs and replacements.
According to BBC, Phoenix became the first city in the world to appoint a 'Heat Officer' in 2021. This role oversees heat response policies and coordinates collaboration among government departments. The chief medical officer of Maricopa County stated, "We knew early on that heat would be a recurring issue every year, but now it is becoming a predictable annual disaster in many regions worldwide."
Experts warn against complacency regarding current achievements. As of July 11 this year, 23 heat-related deaths have been confirmed in Maricopa County, with an additional 282 cases under investigation. If these figures are confirmed, the toll could exceed last year's numbers.
Experts emphasize that heat should not be viewed merely as a health issue but as a complex disaster that threatens infrastructure and the economy. With increasing instances of road damage and flight delays due to extreme heat, urban response systems must adapt accordingly.
BBC quoted experts stating, "The era of planning based on past heat waves is over. Cities must design and prepare for the heat that will come in the next 5 to 10 years." They also noted, "If you feel hot now, expect even hotter and longer-lasting heat waves in the future, with temperature records likely to be broken worldwide every year."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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