Urban Heat

Sonal Jessel Discusses City’s Effort to Keep Residents Cool During the Summer of COVID-19 in Grist – July 6, 2020

In a July 6, 2020 article in Grist, WE ACT’s Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Sonal Jessel explains why we have been advocating for access to air conditioners along with the funds to operate them for the most vulnerable members of

Peggy Shepard on Energy Insecurity in Center for American Progress – June 29, 2020

In a June 29, 2020 article on the intersection of extreme heat and COVID-19 in the Center for American Progress, WE ACT’s Co-Founder and Executive Director Peggy Shepard raised the issue of energy insecurity and the need for more equitable

Sonal Jessel Comments on NYC’s Get Cool AC Program on WNYC – June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, WE ACT’s Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Sonal Jessel was interviewed by WNYC radio on the City’s new program to provide free air conditioners to low-income senior citizens who feel safer inside due to COVID-19 yet are

July Membership Meeting: Town Hall on Extreme Heat & COVID-19 in NYC

SUMMER HEAT & COVID-19: A Deadly COMBINATION Learn About the Potentially Deadly Threat of Extreme Heat During the Summer of COVID-19 & Discuss Our Community-Driven Policy Recommendations to Address This Threat Summer is here, and even though the city has

Sonal Jessel on Summer Heat, COVID-19, & Energy Insecurity in Bloomberg Law – June 17, 2020

In a June 17, 2020 article in Bloomberg Law on the intersection of extreme heat and the COVID-19 pandemic, our Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Sonal Jessel raised the issue of energy insecurity, explaining that residents of many of the communities

Lubna Ahmed Interviewed by NYCity News Service on Environmental Racism and COVID-19 – May 12, 2020

WE ACT’s Director of Environmental Health Lubna Ahmed explained the health impacts of environmental racism in the COVID-19 pandemic in an interview with NYCity News Service’s the Coronavirus Chronicles: New York in the Time of Pandemic. Read the Interview

Climate Justice Working Group May Meeting

Are you concerned about climate change and the inequities in our society? Then join our Climate Justice Working Group and work to achieve equitable solutions to the climate crisis! Our next meeting is on Wednesday, May 27th, from 5:30-7:00 PM

Home Energy Assistance Program

What is HEAP? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a funding program from the federal and state government that assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling costs, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. In New

NYC Cooling Centers

Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency, severity, and duration in New York City. There are a number of negative health impacts from extreme heat, including heat stress, dehydration, dizziness, and fainting. These impacts can lead to hospitalization, worsening of

Sonal Jessel Talked to Truthout About the Impacts of Extreme Heat on Communities of Color During COVID-19 – April 21, 2020

In an April 21, 2020 article in Truthout, WE ACT’s Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Sonal Jessel discussed the challenge that summer’s extreme heat events – which have been increased in frequency, duration, and intensity by climate change – pose for