In the Desert Southwest, cities like Reno are grappling with the challenges posed by extreme heat, which is exacerbated by climate change. Despite being recognized as the nation’s fastest-warming city for several years, Reno’s response to these heat waves is still developing. Officials like Brian Beffort, Washoe County’s sustainability manager, emphasize the importance of tree planting due to its multifaceted benefits, such as air purification and temperature reduction. However, he acknowledges that more comprehensive strategies are necessary.
In contrast, Las Vegas has implemented a system of cooling centers that open during extreme heat warnings. Northern Nevada, however, lags behind with fewer and less frequently available cooling centers, along with inadequate reporting of heat-related deaths and insufficient tree management on private property.
Efforts are underway to gather data to better understand and address the problem. The Reno-Sparks Heat Mapping project, for instance, highlighted the significant temperature differences between urban heat islands and greener areas. This data is crucial for developing effective heat mitigation policies…