Extreme Heat is a Symptom of the Disease

Dear Editor,

Here in southern Wisconsin, we just finished a brutal stretch of 90+ degree days with high levels of humidity, and the long-range forecast doesn't predict much relief in sight, with temps not predicted to dip below low-to-mid 80's in the near term.

Consult your thesaurus and I think you'll agree it felt oppressive, harsh, severe. Imagine these scorching heat waves occurring twice as often, and the peak season for heat waves extending from a historical average of 40 days out to 70 days of the year; that is what current data show have already happened over the last 50 years according to the EPA. Projections show only worsening chances of extreme heat.

The health risks of extreme heat fall disproportionately among us: those without access to air conditioning and cool shelters; those with chronic health conditions like COPD and asthma that can suffer exacerbations to declining air quality associated with heat waves; the elderly; infants.

Are we fine with the status quo? Do we want to expand fracking and drilling for gas and oil, do we want to remove protections from our US National Forests, do we want to fork over our land and water to AI companies so they can burn our resources for profit? If you are not fine, now is the time to speak out and hold your government representatives accountable for preserving a livable planet for yourself, and your children.

Sincerely,

Nathan Dombeck, Janesville, WI