Summer in the South – we know it well. High heat is the norm and it’s having a greater impact than we realize. Charleston residents, commuters, tourists and even our beloved sea turtles are reacting to extreme weather conditions. Especially in urban areas, lack of natural landscapes – coupled with the hard surfaces that comprise buildings, benches, roads and more – can lead to a dangerous scenario that impacts our health, quality of life and longevity. When you factor in car usage and industrial activity, the situation only worsens. Extreme heat puts kids, emergency responders, older adults, outdoor workers, athletes and pets at higher risk of suffering from heat-related injuries, like dehydration and heat stroke.
