Task Force: Handling the Heatwave

Congratulations!

California’s Climate Crisis Committee has put you in charge of preemptively designing solutions for heatwaves in the state. 

Why Are We Doing This?

In 2021, California faced its hottest summer on record with deadly heatwaves and wildfires across the state. With these changes comes the pressing responsibility of the state to prepare for and create a plan of action for the aftermath of heatwaves and wildfires. 

Steps

1. Research what procedures states facing heatwaves and wildfires normally follow. What needs to remain in place? What needs to be addressed and reformed?
   1. Read this article and explain some solutions proposed to tackle California’s heatwave and wildfires. Which solutions do you think are most important? Why?
2. What are some ways to prepare for a heatwave?
3. What are some ways to prepare for a wildfire?
4. What steps need to be taken during the aftermath of wildfires and heatwaves?
   1. What are some immediate health concerns as a result of these environmental occurrences?
5. What communities/areas tend to be impacted the most? How will you account for and provide aid to them?
6. Think through the possible objections about your plan to combat the heatwave that someone could have and how you would answer them.  
7. Share with the group and see if you can convince them that your plan best addresses various issues surrounding California’s problem.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You do not have to come up with an exhaustive list of procedures for your plan. It’s better to come up with a few requirements that you feel confident with and spend time thinking through possible objections to it.
• You don’t have to worry about answering all possible objections, but you should have some defense of why you think your reasons are more important.
• Your requirements should be things that governments could realistically implement.