"Extreme Heat Exposes Vulnerability of Impoverished Americans Without AC"

Record heat waves in the United States are highlighting the plight of the poorest Americans who lack access to air conditioning. Low-income neighborhoods, often populated by marginalized groups, experience significantly higher temperatures compared to wealthier areas. Approximately one in 10 U.S. households do not have air conditioning, with the disparity even greater for marginalized communities. The lack of cooling options forces individuals to resort to alternative methods to beat the heat, such as freezing towels or seeking refuge in their cars. The cost of installing air conditioning systems remains a significant barrier for many, exacerbating the inequality in access to relief from extreme heat.