People view the sunset as a child drinks from a water bottle on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, as temperatures soared in an early-season heatwave.
(Frederic J. Brown
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Getty Images)
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In her capacity as chief heat officer, Segura will oversee the response to extreme heat, which is considered the deadliest climate risk facing the city. Councilmember Paul Krekorian’s motion created the position.
“As we talk about climate change as a global issue, it’s important that we also be mindful of the local impacts of extreme heat,” Krekorian said in a statement. “Extreme heat can lead to heart-related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat strokes, and it can aggravate pre-existing conditions like diabetes and heart disease.”
Segura will work as chief heat officer with city departments to expand the urban tree canopy, according to the statement. She’ll also update building codes to make sure new buildings have adequate cooling and create a heat action plan with an early warning system.
Segura is also tasked with developing an improved network of public cooling centers. Both the city and L.A. County operate dozens of the centers, which can fill up during triple-digit temperatures.
The appointment comes as Southern California is anticipating another hot summer. After Memorial Day (summer’s unofficial kickoff holiday), temperatures in parts of the city are already expected to reach into the 90s.
Warm temperatures are on the way for #SoCal, with highs in the lower 90s for interior areas. It will be dry too, so remember to stay hydrated, and never leave pets or kids in a parked car!! #CAwxpic.twitter.com/QPQdtj9nw5
“One in four lives lost during heat waves could be saved if the city strategically increases tree canopy cover and installs cool surfaces,” Krekorian said. “The chief heat officer position will save lives and improve quality of life in Los Angeles, especially in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.”
What questions do you have about Southern California?
The rules passed by the state Air Resources Board are the first of their kind — anywhere — and will likely have ripple effects, particularly in Southern California communities that have some of the dirtiest air in the nation.
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