How extreme heat is endangering N.J. lives and what we can do about it

By Khalil Savary

Extreme heat and severe weather events aren’t coming in 2025: They are already here.

Throughout the nation, patients are experiencing worsening air quality because of wildfires, mold, excessive pollen blooms and higher concentrations of harmful emissions in vulnerable neighborhoods. These conditions have continued a troubling trend of loss of life and rising costs over the years.

We remember the wildfires in California and New Jersey. We remember the floods in Texas and Delaware. We remember those whose livelihoods have vanished as seasons shift and environments change. But is remembering enough? We must do more.

We should let these experiences shape our actions, not just our memories. As we enter yet another season of extremes – heat, hurricanes and fires – I urge a