If the city of Phoenix (Arizona, United States) has 1.5 million inhabitants, its streets are nevertheless deserted. An ominous sign of a city that could soon become unlivable. Here, temperatures are around 50°C. People hunker down at home. In Phoenix, 86% of homes are air-conditioned. A repairman is overwhelmed with requests.
“Climate change plays a big role”
For those who cannot afford an air conditioner, the city is setting up cooling rooms listed on an application. During the summer, an HIV screening center turns into a “cooling center”. “I think the city of Phoenix will soon be unlivable, because of the environment we are in. Climate change plays a big role.”says a person working in this cool room. Last year, Phoenix suffered 425 heat-related deaths. Faced with the drought, drastic measures have been taken. The Governor of Arizona has banned any new real estate project that would draw its water from groundwater.
