As a physician in the Denver metropolitan area, I have witnessed firsthand the negative effects of extreme temperatures on the health and well-being of our community members. The risks posed by days and weeks of extreme heat are clear and undeniable. All Coloradans can be affected by extreme heat, from children to older adults with chronic conditions to unhoused individuals and residents without adequate cooling equipment.
March 2024 Healthy Air and Water Colorado Cooling Report: Relentless Heat How State and Local Lawmakers Can Protect At-Risk Households It was highlighted as the hottest year on record, which is consistent with an increasing trend in average maximum temperatures in 2023. Past 10 years. Communities across the state are reporting record temperatures.
Extreme heat creates a dangerous environment for the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, low-income communities, and rental housing. It can be life threatening. The health effects associated with high temperatures are well-known, including the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, but extreme heat can also lead to diabetes, pregnancy, asthma, heart disease, mental illness, and mental health complications. There is a possibility.
Given the increasing frequency and severity of hot days in Colorado, state leaders must take action to ensure families have the tools they need to survive Colorado's summers. .
The intersection of environmental justice and climate change cannot be ignored. As temperatures continue to rise, marginalized communities, including Latino and African American families, are bearing the brunt. People with housing problems are left out in the heat.
Every summer, I regularly treat a variety of patients who seek treatment for symptoms of extreme heat, such as fainting, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Access to affordable, energy-efficient cooling equipment is necessary to alleviate symptoms. Now is the time to provide resources to families and individuals who need efficient cooling equipment.
One promising solution is the widespread use of energy-efficient technology of heat pumps. These innovative systems provide both heating and cooling capabilities, making them ideal for addressing the dual challenges of extreme temperatures and poor air quality. Unlike traditional heating and air conditioning systems, which are expensive to install and maintain, heat pumps are affordable, energy efficient, and available to households of all income levels.
Increasing the adoption of heat pumps is a critical step in ensuring all Coloradans have access to safe, efficient, and clean energy solutions.
Encouraging the installation of heat pumps not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional central air conditioning, but also saves families money on energy bills. Additionally, these systems can improve respiratory health and increase safety by eliminating the use of natural gas in the home and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulates. I can.
Increasing the adoption of heat pumps is a critical step in ensuring all Coloradans have access to safe, efficient, and clean energy solutions. By helping small business owners, contractors, and builders transition to this new technology, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and protect public health in the face of climate change. Masu.
As a physician, I am committed to advocating for policies that address the growing public health threats posed by climate change. By combining clinical expertise and fact-based research, we can raise awareness and drive action to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures and poor air quality on communities.
It’s time for Colorado to lead the way in promoting clean energy solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of all residents. By investing in a heat pump, you can build a more sustainable future for future generations.
