The news can seem dire — climate change driving worldwide temperatures higher toward a tipping point; residents' health at risk from extreme heat; cities and regions facing uncertain prospects. But smart, compassionate minds are exploring solutions from new angles with the uniting belief that there's still time to make a difference. Here, explore ASU researchers' discoveries as they work toward a sustainable future.
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Summer heat
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ASU scientists use new technologies to mitigate heat exposure risk
With the help of a sweaty manikin and a state-of-the-art cart, researchers are working to better quantify the impact of heat on the human body
Featured stories
Saving lives from an invisible killer
Count all the deaths from hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, and you still won’t match the destruction wrought by one invisible weather disaster — extreme heat.
Interactive game educates children on heat safety
Designed to teach kids how to stay safe in hot climates, the "Beat the Heat" bilingual game combines fun interaction with crucial information.
ASU team's research leads to new law protecting mobile-home dwellers
Though mobile homes account for 5% of the housing in Maricopa County, about 30% to 40% of indoor heat deaths in any given year are people who live in mobile homes.
More heat news
Research reveals US regions where heat adaptation and mitigation efforts can most benefit future populations
Some cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma, will respond better to strategies such as street trees and cool roofs, while others, such as Denver, benefit more from reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Honey bees can handle the heat, but that may not save them from climate change
When it’s hot, honey bees can adjust how they fly, using larger, more powerful wingbeats that require them to beat their wings less frequently. But temperature isn't the only factor putting them at risk.
ASU aviation chair on why the heat might affect your flight plans
Why can’t some planes fly when it’s scorching? The answer is physics. When it’s as hot as 120, the air is thinner. Simply put, the engines have less air to grab onto.
HEAT 101: An ASU primer for summer in the desert
Weather wonk Randy Cerveny talks haboobs, monsoons and the two ingredients needed for storms during the hot season.
Paper explores future limits of survival, livability in extreme heat conditions
The research demonstrates that the current upper-temperature and humidity limits estimates used for human survivability might not paint the most accurate picture on a warming planet.
ASU is lead partner in new national Center for Heat Resilient Communities
Thanks to a $4.5 million grant, two virtual centers of excellence will study extreme heat and support community heat monitoring and resilience initiatives.
Tips for staying hydrated during outdoor activities
Planning to exercise outdoors during the hot season? College of Health Solutions experts say it’s crucial to know your climate, listen to your body and … well … analyze your urine color. Yes, really.
US experiencing climate change now, latest National Climate Assessment shows
Twelve ASU faculty members contributed to the report, which showed that people across the U.S. are facing increasing climate-related risk — but also demonstrated the nation's progress in adapting to climate change impacts.
Meet ANDI, the world's first outdoor sweating, breathing and walking manikin
ANDI can mimic the thermal functions of the human body and has 35 different surface areas that are all individually controlled with sensors and pores that bead sweat. His purpose? Measuring the effects of extreme heat on human health.