The findings from a recent assessment of Los Angeles’ climate vulnerability are not surprising. The assessment, which was released in May, is the latest in a string of government reports to confirm the city is struggling with the consequences of extreme heat. Community members and experts know what needs to be done to mitigate heat: plant more trees, increase access to air conditioning and install shade structures on sidewalks.
Extremely hot days are a health risk, affecting peoples’ ability to travel to work, run errands or simply be comfortable in their own homes. South LA, Boyle Heights, Wilmington and Northeast LA are among the communities most vulnerable to heat health events, due to the lack of shade and proliferation of neighborhoods with lower incomes, according to the assessment.
But some advocates say change isn’t happening fast enough. And with triple digit temperatures expected across Southern California this week, and local heat waves expected to last longer in the future, the clock is ticking.Just a few weeks ago, it looked like LA was about to gut a program to provide more outreach and support to communities affected by the impacts of climate change…