Chief heat officers want to help cities adapt to scorching heatwaves
This weekend, more than half of people in the US will be under severe weather alerts as a heat wave battering the south expands into large parts of the central and eastern US.
It will be a busy time for the country's three chief heat officers, who experts say they are quickly becoming key figures on the frontline of climate change.
"I've been on the phone and sending more text messages than I can remember in my life," says Phoenix chief heat officer David Hondula.
The Arizona city has seen daily temperatures above 110F (43C) every day for nearly a month, and Mr Hondula says he is working non-stop organising the local response.
Human-induced climate change has made heatwaves more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting. July is not only likely to be Phoenix's hottest month, but also Earth's warmest period since records began.
As heat seasons have intensified, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Miami have all appointed chief heat officers. Experts say it's an important first step, but warn that local governments face an uphill struggle.
"This is not your grandmother's heat anymore," says Ashley Ward, director of Duke University's Heat Policy Innovation Hub.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66272154
If I lived in one of those places (thank God I don't!) I'd probably be handing out water on my own if I went anywhere.