Here's why an Arizona medical examiner is working to track heat-related deaths

An Arizona medical examiner is pioneering efforts to systematically track heat-related deaths, filling a critical gap as no nationwide system exists for monitoring climate-induced fatalities. This initiative comes as extreme heat events become increasingly common due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for accurate data to inform public health strategies and policy. By establishing a new protocol, this medical examiner aims to provide crucial insights into how heat impacts mortality rates and guide preventative measures against future heatwaves. This move could set a precedent for other regions grappling with rising temperatures and associated health risks.