WASHINGTON (July 19, 2023)— Record-high temperatures are baking not only the U.S. but countries around the world this week, with multiple regions breaking past records. Phoenix, Arizona hit its 19th consecutive day at temperatures at or above 110 degrees this week, a streak not seen in 47 years. Other U.S. cities including Grand Junction, Colo., Casper, Wyo., El Paso, Texas, Miami, Florida all have broken their previously recorded all-time highs. Outside the U.S. Southern Europe is also experiencing some of the hottest days on record, as cities in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Turkey have been hit with triple-digit temperatures, setting new record highs. Overall, the Earth has recorded its 15 hottest days on record in the past 15 days and the heat wave is expected to continue.
The George Washington University has experts available to comment on a variety of issues connected to heat waves and climate change. To request an interview please contact Rachel Larris, [email protected].
Public Health
Susan Anenberg, director of the GW Climate & Health Institute, and professor and Chair of the department of environmental and occupational health. Anenberg’s research focuses on the health implications of climate change. She can talk about how climate change is driving extreme heat and the health consequences.
David Michaels, a professor of environmental and occupational health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health and a former administrator of OSHA. He can discuss the risks for workers exposed to extreme heat and ways employers can mitigate that risk.
Jennifer Sacheck, is the Sanofi Professor of Prevention and Wellness at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. Sacheck can discuss how to find alternatives to outdoor exercise when the heat or air quality make running or playing tennis outdoors unsafe. Sacheck’s research focuses on diet and physical activity and how they both contribute to staying healthy.
Medical
Neelu Tummala is a clinical assistant professor of surgery and is Co-Director of the Climate Health Institute with a special interest in the effects of climate change on population health. She can speak to her experience treating patients who have been impacted by climate change, as well as how environmental justice impacts vulnerable populations.
Robert Shesser is a professor and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the School of Medicine & Health Science. He can discuss the treatment of heat-related illnesses.
Maria Portela Martinez is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at the School of Medicine & Health Science and a family medicine physician. She is also available for Spanish-language media.