Excessive heat warning: Heat advisory, air quality alert issued for parts of Chicago area Thursday

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Heatwave in Chicago

Introduction

Thursday will be one of the hottest days of the year in the Chicago area, with heat indices over 100 in places.

ABC7 Chicago Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez said high temperatures will be in the mid-90s Thursday and Friday, with Heat Index values from 100 to 110 degrees.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Grundy, Kankakee, LaSalle, Livingston and southern Will counties in Illinois and Newton County in Indiana until 9 p.m. Friday. This extreme heat poses a threat to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as it can lead to heat-related illnesses and emergencies.

A Heat Advisory is also in effect for Boone, southern Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall, McHenry, northern and eastern Will counties in Illinois and Lake, Porter and Jasper counties in Indiana until 9 p.m. Friday. This advisory highlights the importance of SDG 13: Climate Action, as it emphasizes the need to address the impacts of climate change and take measures to adapt to extreme weather events.

An Air Quality Alert is also in effect through midnight Friday for the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. This alert draws attention to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it emphasizes the need to improve air quality and reduce pollution levels in urban areas.

Implications for the Community

Residents in the city and suburbs are seeking ways to cool down during this heatwave. Many are flocking to beaches, pools, and splash pads around the city. This highlights the importance of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, as access to clean and safe water for recreational activities is crucial for community well-being.

For those who have to work outdoors, the temperatures and humidity can be dangerous. It is important for employers to prioritize the health and safety of their workers by implementing measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. This aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which emphasizes the need for safe and healthy working conditions.

Health Concerns and Safety Measures

Heat-related illnesses can have serious health consequences. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion should not be ignored. It is crucial to seek medical help immediately if someone experiences heat stroke symptoms. This highlights the importance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as it emphasizes the need to ensure access to quality healthcare services for all.

Active children and adults, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity. This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as it emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from environmental risks.

To stay safe in the heat, everyone is urged to limit time in the sun, wear loose, light clothing, and stay hydrated. These safety measures align with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as they promote preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Actions Taken by the City

The city of Chicago has established cooling areas for residents during the heatwave. Chicago Public Libraries and Chicago Park District fieldhouses are equipped with air conditioning to provide relief from the heat. This demonstrates the city’s commitment to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it aims to create inclusive and safe public spaces for all residents.

Cooling Area Locations:

1. Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th St., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave., open all day
3. King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: Air Quality Alert in effect through midnight Friday for the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator: Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory issued for specific counties in Illinois and Indiana.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator: Heat Index values from 100 to 110 degrees.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: abc7chicago.com

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