Many struggle with extreme heat in homes without air conditioning

As extreme heat becomes more common, those living in uncooled homes face increasing risk of heat-related illness and death.

Anita Snow reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Avelino Vazquez Navarro, a Mexican farm worker, died in Washington state due to extreme heat while living in a mobile home without air conditioning.
• People without air conditioning, often living in mobile homes, face greater risks as summers become hotter, with many victims being older and from low-income communities.
• Laws in Arizona and elsewhere have begun requiring landlords to provide cooling solutions, but many renters still struggle with high electricity costs.

Key quote:

“Air conditioning is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s a public health issue and it’s an affordability issue.”

— Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association

Why this matters:

Extreme heat is a growing threat, especially for vulnerable populations without adequate cooling. Addressing energy inequities and improving access to air conditioning can help prevent heat-related deaths and improve public health outcomes.