Climate Change Impacts in Nevada: Addressing Extreme Heat and Beyond
Las Vegas recently experienced its hottest temperature on record, reaching a scorching 120 degrees Fahrenheit on July 7. This extreme heat was part of a trend that saw the city enduring a record streak of seven days at or above 115 degrees, with temperatures still soaring above 110 degrees in August. These rising temperatures are not just a passing phase; they are indicative of the long-term impacts of climate change.
According to data from Climate Central, Las Vegas has warmed by nearly six degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, making it the second-fastest warming city in the U.S. Surprisingly, the fastest warming city is actually Reno, Nevada’s northern neighbor, which has seen a staggering increase of 7.7 degrees since 1970. The effects of this warming trend are not limited to daytime temperatures; even nighttime temperatures in Las Vegas have been rising at an alarming rate, a phenomenon attributed to the urban heat island effect.
The urban heat island effect occurs when impermeable surfaces such as roads, dark rooftops, and asphalt parking lots trap heat during the day and release it at night, leading to elevated nighttime temperatures. The New York Times reports that Vegas’ nighttime temperatures are increasing at a much faster rate than its daytime temperatures, exacerbating the heat stress on residents.
The impacts of climate change in Nevada extend beyond temperature trends, as data on heat-related hazards and deaths paint a grim picture of the state’s vulnerability. Nevada’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported a surge in heat-related complaints since 2021, with the average annual complaints more than doubling compared to the previous six years. In 2024, OSHA has already received 350 complaints, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by extreme heat.
Heat-related deaths in Southern Nevada have also been on the rise, with the annual average nearly quadrupling from 2010-2016 to 2017-2023. As of August 13, the Clark County Coroner’s Office has recorded 123 deaths attributed to heat-related factors this year, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change.
Uneven Impact of Extreme Heat
While the effects of extreme heat are felt across all segments of the population, not everyone experiences it in the same way. Individuals who lack access to air conditioning, work outdoors, or are experiencing homelessness face unique challenges in coping with extreme heat. Robert Banghart, outreach director for Shine A Light Foundation, highlights the harsh reality for those living in the storm drains to escape the heat, where conditions are marginally cooler than on the surface.
Construction workers, landscapers, and other outdoor workers are also particularly vulnerable to excessive heat exposure. Al Lopez, a local organizer with the sheet metal workers union SMART Local 88, emphasizes the risks faced by workers in industries that require prolonged outdoor activity. He notes the limitations of regulatory oversight in preventing heat-related incidents and stresses the need for enhanced protections for workers.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including individuals with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, are at higher risk of suffering from acute kidney injury due to the added strain on their bodies in regulating temperature.
Addressing the Challenges of Extreme Heat
Efforts to address the challenges posed by extreme heat in Nevada are underway, with a focus on mitigating the impacts of urban heat islands and enhancing resilience to heat-related hazards. The Southern Nevada Heat Resilience Lab, based at the Desert Research Institute, is conducting research to identify best practices for managing extreme heat and improving public response strategies.
Ariel Choinard, the lab lead, emphasizes the importance of addressing disparities in heat exposure based on socio-economic status, ethnicity, and occupation. The lab’s research highlights the unequal impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations and underscores the need for targeted interventions to protect those most at risk.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has implemented measures to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands on bus riders and pedestrians. Andrew Kjellman, senior director for RTC’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, outlines initiatives such as installing more shade structures at bus stops and redesigning streets to enhance comfort for pedestrians and cyclists.
In the coming year, the RTC plans to roll out 300 new bus shelters, with a focus on placing them in areas with the highest heat exposure. These efforts aim to provide shaded areas that are significantly cooler, offering relief to commuters during extreme heat events. Additionally, RTC’s Complete Streets projects are redesigning roadways to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist comfort, with features such as wider sidewalks and street trees to enhance the urban environment.
Legislative Response to Extreme Heat
At the federal level, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Dina Titus have introduced legislation to address the impacts of extreme heat and enhance response measures. Sen. Rosen’s Extreme Heat Emergency Act seeks to designate extreme heat as eligible for Major Disaster Declaration, enabling increased federal funding for heat-related emergencies.
Rep. Titus’ Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act aims to expand the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) mitigation measures against extreme heat, including the establishment of cooling centers and other interventions to protect vulnerable populations. These legislative efforts underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Strain on Power Infrastructure
Climate change not only exacerbates extreme heat but also strains power infrastructure, leading to challenges in maintaining reliable electricity supply. Power outages during heatwaves can have life-threatening consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors and individuals with medical devices that require electricity.
In response to the increasing demand for electricity during peak heat periods, power utilities like NV Energy are implementing measures to enhance grid resilience and reliability. The deployment of new solar and battery resources is helping to balance energy supply and demand, reducing the reliance on traditional fossil fuel sources.
NV Energy’s efforts to expand renewable energy sources and battery storage capacity are part of a broader strategy to transition to a more sustainable energy portfolio. The state’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050 reflects a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Challenges in Insurance Coverage
The impacts of climate change, including wildfires and extreme weather events, are leading to challenges in obtaining affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage. Rising costs of property insurance, driven by increased risks of wildfires and other climate-related perils, are putting pressure on insurers and reinsurers to reassess their coverage policies.
In Nevada, the Tahoe Basin has emerged as a high-risk area for wildfires, prompting insurers to implement special rating and underwriting measures to manage their exposure. The Nevada Division of Insurance is exploring options such as a state-based insurer of last resort to ensure continued access to insurance coverage in high-risk areas.
Residents like Justine Overacker and Colin Biggs have experienced firsthand the impact of insurance nonrenewals in high-risk wildfire zones. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires are contributing to a tightening insurance market, making it challenging for homeowners to secure adequate coverage at affordable rates.
Looking Ahead
As Nevada grapples with the multifaceted impacts of climate change, it is essential to adopt proactive measures to enhance resilience and mitigate risks. From addressing urban heat islands and heat-related hazards to transitioning to renewable energy sources and ensuring access to insurance coverage, a comprehensive approach is needed to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The ongoing efforts of policymakers, researchers, and community organizations are crucial in building a more sustainable and resilient future for Nevada. By prioritizing climate action, investing in adaptation strategies, and promoting equity in climate resilience initiatives, the state can navigate the challenges of climate change and build a more secure and sustainable future for all its residents.
In conclusion, the impacts of climate change in Nevada are far-reaching and require a coordinated and proactive response to address the challenges posed by extreme heat, wildfires, and other climate-related hazards. By prioritizing climate resilience, investing in renewable energy solutions, and enhancing community preparedness, Nevada can build a more sustainable future for generations to come.