Governor Gavin Newsom‘s campaign aims to address the shortcomings of the state’s response to extreme heat, which has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration in California has launched a $20-million campaign called “Heat Ready CA” to warn residents about the dangers of extreme heat as the state braces for its most intense and prolonged heat wave of the year
It is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $404-million investment in extreme heat. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Heat Ready CA campaign will collaborate with 121 community-based organizations to conduct outreach in every county, reaching residents in over 30 languages through various communication methods like door-to-door canvassing and phone banking. The initiative is seen as a proactive step to raise public awareness and potentially save lives. The Governor Gavin Newsom campaign’s launch comes after a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that heat-related deaths in California were likely six times higher than the official count over the past decade.
Louis Blumberg, a climate policy advisor, welcomed the campaign but emphasized the need for additional efforts, including infrastructure improvements, enhanced monitoring of heat-related deaths, and increased investments in shade and green spaces
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Extreme Heat Action Plan also recommends these measures and is supported by a bill, SB 306, currently making its way through the Legislature, which seeks regular updates and improved monitoring of the plan’s progress.
As heat waves continue to break records globally, with rising average temperatures and other climate impacts, Governor Gavin Newsom’s campaign in California seeks to protect communities and individuals from the escalating effects of climate change. In preparation for the heat wave, state officials advise staying hydrated, remaining indoors with air conditioning whenever possible, and never leaving children or pets unattended in hot cars. Los Angeles County has also opened cooling centers and a list of such centers by county is available to provide relief from the extreme temperatures.
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