Extreme Heat: The Deadliest Climate Hazard Is Also the Most Invisible with Dr. Ladd Keith

In episode 257 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons speaks with Dr. Ladd Keith, associate professor of planning at the University of Arizona and one of the world's leading experts on extreme heat adaptation. As Europe endures another deadly heat wave, Doug and Ladd explore why heat remains the deadliest—and one of the most overlooked—climate hazards. They discuss Arizona's progress in reducing heat-related deaths, lessons from Europe and India, the growing challenges facing rural communities, and how cuts to federal funding threaten adaptation efforts just as they are beginning to scale. The conversation also examines why communities must stop planning for today's climate and prepare for a hotter future, how urban planning can address multiple climate risks at once, and why building public awareness is essential if climate adaptation is going to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

Transcript of this episode.

Links in this episode:

https://www.laddkeith.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laddkeith/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/laddkeith.com

U of A Heat Resilience Initiative https://heat.arizona.edu

Center for Heat Resilient Communities publication - Building Heat Resilient Communities: A Toolkit for Local Planning, Decision-Making, & Action https://innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/publication/building-heat-resilient-communities/

Planning for Urban Heat Resilience https://www.planning.org/publications/report/9245695/

Heat Related Episode from the America Adapts Archive

Fundamentals of Extreme Heat and Climate Change with Dr. Ladd Keith of University of Arizona

The Heat Will Still Kill You First with Jeff Goodell

Climate Change and Extreme Heat End of Summer Episode with Dr. Kelly Turner and Dr. Ladd Keith

Key Themes Covered in This Episode

• Europe's heat wave is a warning.
• Arizona proves adaptation works.
• Stop planning for yesterday's climate.
• Think globally, adapt locally.
• Design communities for multiple climate risks.
• Adaptation needs public demand.

For Educators & Students

• Heat adaptation in Arizona and beyond.
• Lessons from Europe's deadly heat wave.
• Planning for tomorrow's climate.
• Urban planning and climate resilience.
• Building climate-ready communities.

Who Should Listen to This Episode

• Urban planners and community planners
• Public health and heat resilience professionals
• Emergency managers and local government leaders
• Climate adaptation and resilience practitioners
• Students and educators in planning, climate, and public policy
• Anyone interested in how communities can prepare for a hotter future

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