SUMMARY

Americans across the East Coast are preparing for one of the hottest Independence Days in recorded history. Triple-digit temperatures have disrupted travel, strained the energy grid and forced some communities to change or cancel planned celebrations. Meanwhile, health authorities in Europe have now linked thousands of excess deaths to record heat. Jeff Goodell joins Amna Nawaz to unpack it all.

View the transcript of the story.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who (what groups) are most vulnerable during periods of extreme heat?
2. What should individuals due to ensure safety during heat waves? What about public officials?
3. When do children fully develop the ability to sweat?
4. Where have there been thousands of excess deaths due to recent excess heat?
5. How many states had heat advisories for Independence Day (July 4)?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. What actions can be taken to protect communities during periods of extreme heat?
2. How has the burning of fossil fuels led to more extreme weather? In addition to long-term concerns, what short-term dangers does climate change pose?

Media literacy: Take a look at a few visuals from Climate Central, first their video displaying the warming of the United States over the past 250 years. Then, type in the city you live in at the bottom to see how temperatures have changed in your own community. Use the following questions to guide your thinking.

1. Amidst record-breaking heat, why do you think the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken down its website titled Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves?
2. Who is most responsible for climate change and what can be done to potentially reverse its impact on global temperatures?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Assess how prepared your community is to handle periods of extreme heat. Choose to focus on your city, neighborhood or even just your block. Walk around and take note of the following:

a) Are there any public water fountains?

b) Are there enough trees/shady areas?

c) Are there any community gathering centers with air conditioning?

c) How close is the nearest hospital?

d) Anything else you think is important

If you think your area is unprepared for heat waves, reach out to leaders in your community to let them know.

Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's Intern Henry Mode and Vic Pasquantonio.

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