In a recent announcement, Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency for the city on September 7-8, 2023, attributing the "extreme heat" to the impacts of climate change.
"High temperatures will reach into the 90s, with the heat index expected to reach the high-90s," Mayor Wu stated in a press release. She further emphasized the tangible effects of climate change, stating, The impacts of climate change are more palpable than ever, with extreme heat posing risk to our communities.
Mayor Wu also expressed concern for the city's school-going population, given the commencement of the new academic year. She stated, Although extreme heat affects Bostonians of all ages, with the new school year starting, our Boston Public Schools staff will be following protocols to ensure our kids have an enjoyable, safe first week back at school. Im grateful to our City employees who are working tirelessly to support residents, and ask residents to take precautions.
A local Boston25 news report highlighted Mayor Wu's early morning visit to Boston schools, where the temperature was recorded at 86 degrees, as per the Weather Network. However, the local forecast had predicted a daytime high of only 88 degrees earlier that morning, which was also the projected high for the second day of the declared heat emergency.
The primary concern during this period of increased temperatures was the lack of air conditioning in many Boston public schools. Despite the installation of 3,000 air conditioning units in schools over the past year, local news outlet NECN reported school closures and early dismissals due to the heat. Approximately 14 buildings were left with only fans for cooling, as their electrical systems could not support an air conditioning system.
Mayor Wu emphasized the broader context of the situation, stating, "The City of Boston is taking critical immediate action to provide heat relief, including short-term, actionable steps toward relief during heat waves." She also mentioned the city's ongoing projects aimed at mitigating extreme heat and improving residents' health.
One such initiative involves a proposed ban on "fossil fuels" in new city-owned buildings, a plan developed in collaboration with the city's director of the Green New Deal. The executive order, announced in a press release, aims to reduce "emissions from Bostons building sector while creating high-quality jobs, improving public health and quality of life, and advancing racial and economic justice."
In addition, Mayor Wu highlighted her Heat Plan, which she described as "26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston."
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