To be emailed to Mayor Robert Harrington and the members of the City Housing Committee before their next meeting on Monday, August 3, 9:00 – 10:30 am, Room 267, Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
Mayor Robert Harrington: mayor@charlottenc.gov
Housing Committee Chair: LaWana.mayfield@charlottenc.gov
Housing Committee Members:
JD.mazueraarias@charlottenc.gov
Kimberly.owens@charlottenc.gov
Dear Mayor Harrington and Housing Committee Members,
With the extreme impacts of climate change bearing down on our city this summer with the heat index over 100 degrees on many days, Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders urges the City to take immediate action by mandating air conditioning in all rental units. The health and safety of these residents are at risk living in housing without access to air conditioning. We join with Action NC and other organizations in this critical request to protect those whose health is most vulnerable to extreme heat.
Based on peer-reviewed research (1) by physicians at Duke School of Medicine, these groups include children, the elderly, outdoor workers, some racial and ethnic subgroups (particularly those with low SES); people with chronic diseases; and those who are socially or geographically isolated, have increased morbidity and mortality during extreme heat. In addition to ambient temperature, heat related health hazards are exacerbated by air pollution, high humidity, and lack of air-conditioning.
Charlotte needs to lead North Carolina cities in taking bold action to protect the lives of those most vulnerable to the rising impacts of climate change.
References:
1. Minimization of Heatwave Morbidity and Mortality. Kravchenko J, Abernethy AP, Fawzy M, Lyerly HK. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2013; Mar;44(3):274-82. Doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.11.015. PMID: 23415125.