Recognizing cooling as a fundamental human right, three decades on from the devastating heatwave in Chicago

The catastrophic 1995 heatwave, which claimed over 700 lives, underscores the necessity of dependable, economical energy - a point emphasized by the authors.

, and Administrator

2025 September 5 . 10:43 AM

2 min read

Access to cooling measures deservedly acknowledged as essential necessity, following 30 years since... — Access to cooling measures deservedly acknowledged as essential necessity, following 30 years since Chicago's fatal heatwave incident

Recognizing cooling as a fundamental human right, three decades on from the devastating heatwave in Chicago

In the heart of the United States, Chicago is a city that experiences a wide range of temperatures, with some parts of the city being significantly hotter than others on the same day. This temperature disparity can pose a serious risk, especially during heatwaves, as extreme heat remains one of the deadliest climate-related risks.

The heat can lead to increased hospitalization of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal illnesses, making it crucial for households to have the means to cool their homes. However, energy affordability policies, such as income-based utility rates and targeted bill assistance, are needed to ensure that this is possible for all residents.

Unfortunately, certain neighbourhoods in Chicago, particularly those that have suffered from decades of redlining and underinvestment, are more vulnerable to these extreme temperatures. These neighbourhoods frequently experience longer and more frequent power outages, compounding their vulnerability.

Weather-related power outages nationwide have increased by 78% over the past decade compared to the 2000s, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and outage response plans. These plans must not merely consider proximity to critical facilities but also the community's vulnerability.

Equitable infrastructure investments are essential to ensure that upgrades and grid improvements reach the neighbourhoods that need them most. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the primary federal agency responsible for the security of critical infrastructure and ensuring reliable energy availability in affected U.S. communities, is working to implement necessary measures in these vulnerable areas.

CISA collaborates with owners of critical infrastructure, civil federal agencies, and policy representatives to coordinate investments and protective measures for the most vulnerable populations. In addition, protections against utility disconnections must be robust and reliably enforced to prevent people from losing power during life-threatening heatwaves.

Thirty years after Chicago's deadly heatwave, the lesson remains clear: reliable, affordable energy and the infrastructure needed to safely use it, like air conditioning and other life-sustaining cooling systems, are essential for true resilience. The future of Chicago's vulnerable neighbourhoods lies in equitable energy policies and investments that prioritise their needs.