This story, written by Luisa Corporan for Barrio Alegría, is part of a series designed to empower the community to take action in mitigating the impact of pollution and the misuse of natural resources. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The music, laughter, and happy moments that usually define summer have been replaced this year by an intense heat wave affecting our community.
Bethany Ayers-Fisher,Public Works Sustainability Manager, said that the rise in temperatures is caused by our consumption of everyday essentials, such as gasoline.
“The increase in pollution from fossil fuels, which has raised the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere,” she said. “These gases trap heat from the sun and act like a greenhouse, causing climate change.”
“In Reading, temperatures above 90°F were unusual until the 2010s,” Ayers-Fisher explained. “Now we experience these high temperatures more often and for longer periods. This is becoming the new normal for our children.”
Environmental building specialist and Environmental Advisory Council member William Vitale warned that using air conditioning increases the burning of fossil fuels, which releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and makes the planet warmer.
“We need to find ways to stay cool, but we cannot forget our responsibility to think about and respond to the larger problem of climate change,” Vitale said. “That is why it is important to look for other ways to cool our homes.”
Ayers-Fisher added that burning more fuel to cool homes not only affects the environment, but also our wallets.
“When people spend more money to keep their homes cool, they have less money for other important needs, such as food, medicine, and recreation,” she said.
The Environmental Advisory Council recommends several ways to keep homes cooler. Residents are encouraged to install energy-efficient windows and heat-blocking curtains, use outdoor awnings, apply solar window films, set thermostats to 78°F (26°C), use regular fans, and open windows at night when the outside temperature becomes cooler.
In addition to keeping homes cool, the Environmental Advisory Council, recommends healthy habits to prevent heat stroke. These include drinking plenty of water, and avoiding long periods in the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Experts also stress the importance of recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke and acting quickly. Warning signs include hot, dry skin with little or no sweating, dizziness, confusion, trouble speaking or responding, and, in severe cases, fainting or losing consciousness.
Anyone showing these symptoms should receive medical attention immediately.
Member Cathy Curran Myers notes, “to get a cooling break, I like to take my family to a library, or plan to do some grocery shopping together at an air conditioned store. The City also has cooling centers you can visit,and kids love playing in the splash pads at City Park. They also enjoy Wacky Water Wednesdays, which take place at different locations throughout the city during the summer.” .”
