Photo: Gerard Julien/AFP/Getty Images

Deadly heat waves will be a near-certainty for half of the world's population by the end of the century, reports a new study in Nature Climate Change. Evaluating past heat waves, scientists identified a global threshold beyond which temperature and relative humidity become deadly. Currently, 30 percent of the world's population is exposed to conditions beyond this threshold for at least 20 days a year, but - even with drastic GHG reductions - this is likely to grow to nearly half the world population by 2100. And under a scenario of growing GHG emissions, 75% of the global population will be facing extreme heat conditions beyond the threshold. Nature, a publication not given to exaggeration, writes, "A death zone is creeping over the surface of Earth, gaining a little more ground each year. [...S]ince 1980, these temporary hells on Earth have opened up hundreds of times to take life." ( Guardian)

Interactive maps from the Climate Impact Lab provide a jarring illustration of how extremely hot days exceeding 95F are expected to multiply across the world. Even with moderate climate action, Phoenix would see an additional 30 days of 95-degree weather. Without any climate action, large swathes of the world could see extremely hot days for most of the year. Under moderate warming, the US electric grid would have to handle a 7.2 percent increase in peak demand to accommodate additional air-conditioning use, while corn and soybean yields plummet precipitously over 84F, and worker productivity declines sharply. ( NYTimes)

	Photo: David McNew/AFP/Getty Images

As Phoenix temperatures reached 120F for three straight days,   flights were grounded , patients to the main burn treatment center doubled, and several heat-related deaths were reported in the   Las Vegas area and in California . In California, where San Diego set a record at  124 F , some communities faced  power outages  as air conditioners ran non-stop. Arizona utility APS set a  record for power demand , and said it would have been even higher without the increase in rooftop solar. To prepare for extreme heat, NYC released new building guidelines that encourage architects to design shades over windows, angle buildings to avoid direct sunlight, and use materials and designs that will keep buildings cooler. They also encourage builders to consider backup power systems and A/C systems designed for higher temperatures. ( Link )

Photo: Timothy Fadek/Bloomberg

American Airlines has been forced to cancel more than 40 flights in Phoenix. Hotter air is thinner air, which makes it more difficult - and sometimes impossible - for planes to generate enough lift. These disruptions are likely to become more frequent, potentially making air travel costlier and less predictable. Aircraft have different maximum operating temperatures dependent on a variety of factors, including airport elevation and runway length, with higher thresholds for larger jets like Boeing 737s. An airline analysis group said that while airlines are working on boosting plane efficiency, they are not preparing enough for long-term climate impacts and how it affects planes' ability to fly. As global temperatures continue to rise, some of the heaviest planes on the longest flights may eventually be unable to depart during the hottest part of summer days, with cascading ripples and delays across aviation networks. ( NYTimes)

Natomas Unified School District's award-winning nutrition services department won a USDA Farm to School grant that will provide nearly $80,000 to enhance farm-to-school efforts to help students learn about local farming and to bolster purchases of local crops for cafeteria meals. About 90 percent of the district's fruits and vegetables now come from California farms, as do foods for creating one entrée item per week According to the USDA, schools with strong farm to school programs report higher school meal participation, reduced food waste, and increased willingness of students to try new foods, notably fruits and vegetables. ( Link)

This webinar will discuss the various tools and products the State of California is making available to local governments to promote clean energy projects for residents. Learn how you can receive up to $23,000 for free co-branded marketing materials and other marketing ideas to promote energy project financing. Updates to the California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing Residential Energy Efficiency Loan (REEL) program will also be included. This new financing tool grants homeowners an unsecured alternative to PACE and other financing vehicles. ( Link)

The private sector and all levels of government are embracing resilience as a holistic, proactive framework to reduce risk, improve services, adapt to changing conditions, and empower citizens. In 2016, the National League of Cities (NLC) launched a Leadership in Community Resilience program to help elected officials, city staff, and community partners share their experiences and advance local resilience efforts. The pilot initiative is providing technical assistance and professional development opportunities for 10 cities by supporting local resilience initiatives that have been prioritized by each city. This webinar, hosted by Arizona State University and NLC, will spotlight several cities and share their process for planning, building engagement, and implementing resilience initiatives with limited resources. ( Register)

Mark your calendars for the 17th annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in San Francisco, California. Get involved early in the nation's largest smart growth and sustainability event by becoming a sponsor or a promotional partner. Don't forget to check out presentations and materials from this year's fantastic conference in St. Louis too. ( NPSG)