Across the northern hemisphere, the Summer of 2024 was one for the record books. After a 14th straight month of record-high global temperatures in July, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects this year to end up as the hottest on record. Europe, Africa and Asia were each warmest on record for July, with North America second warmest. In fact, the Earth saw its two hottest days on record back-to-back in July. During that time, much of the Southwest U.S. sweltered under heat warnings, and set many record high temperature marks. Even though it is now September, Phoenix, Arizona is currently experiencing its 100th day of 100-plus degree temperatures.
And it’s not just the heat. It is also increasingly humid. In fact, 2024 was the most humid summer on record in 85 years. And it keeps happening earlier and earlier. Key West, Florida hit a heat index of 115 in mid-May. Science shows that for each degree (Fahrenheit) of global warming, the atmosphere holds 4 percent more moisture. This record humidity is implicated in over 10 extreme flooding events over the summer, from Minnesota down to Florida, and all the way up to Vermont.
The science is clear, and cities around the world are taking note. Many are taking action. Medellín, Columbia, has successfully lowered the average city temperature by two degrees Celcius with the expansive planting of heat-absorbing vegetation, while the New York City Council is for the first time considering enshrining guaranteed access to cooling for renters. If this year’s supercharged summer is an indication of things to come, and has you worried, read on to uncover ingenious city-level innovations designed to keep us cool.
What Else is in this Climate Action Update?
The complex problems posed by climate change require us to think outside the box. This month, our Update is packed with creative ideas from cities across the country and around the world. These include policies and strategies for addressing urban climate migration, revitalizing downtowns left empty after Covid, creating investments in youth-driven climate initiatives, and generating wraparound services to keep residents housed. You’ll also find ideas for cultivating federal grant opportunities for net zero building code adoption, heat resiliency, workforce development, ecosystem restoration, reconnecting communities divided by highways, investments in citizen science, and many types of sustainable transportation infrastructure.
And don’t pass up our newest Update section titled, Resources for Grant Success! It’s where you’ll find links to resource hubs for grant applicants, upcoming workshops and webinars to help you apply to specific grant programs, and best practices from successful grantees around the country.
A quick ask: These Updates are a collective labor of love from our team - please share this newsletter with your colleagues and movement allies. They can sign up for future updates here!
