In episode 244 of America Adapts, we adapt in the southwest! Welcome to the desert proving ground for climate adaptation. In my home state of Arizona—Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff—we get right down on the ground to see how communities are beating extreme heat, planning responsibly for water in a changing climate, and living with wildfire risk without losing what makes these places home. You'll hear street-level fixes that change daily life—and travel anywhere—plus a clear playbook cities can steal now: run the hottest months smarter, put shade where people actually stand and walk, and build the partnerships that keep projects alive. We also spotlight the next wave of adaptation pros coming out of Arizona's universities and city halls—real careers, real impact. If it works in the desert, parts of it can work where you live. Made possible by generous support from the CO2 Foundation. Experts in this Episode: Dr. Ladd Keith – Associate Professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning at the University of Arizona Fatima Luna – Chief Resilience Officer City of Tucson Blue Baldwin – Storm to Shade Program Manager at Tucson Water for the City of Tucson Alekzander Ryan - Heat Resilience Initiative, Southwest Integrated Field Laboratory David Hondula - Director of Heat Response and Mitigation for the City of Phoenix Ryan Stevens – Engineering manager with the City of Phoenix Nicole P. Antonopoulos – Sustainability Director City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office Victoria Joseph and Leona Davis - University of Arizona's Institute for Resilience This episode was generously sponsored by the CO2 Foundation. Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Links in this episode: https://climateaction.tucsonaz.gov/pages/gsi https://www.awwa.org/AWWA-Articles/tucsons-storm-to-shade-program-creates-a-cooler-city/ https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4687/Meet-the-Sustainability-Team https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/heat/heat-response-programs/heat-response-plan.html https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/phoenix-fights-urban-heat-with-expanding-cool-pavement-program-that-lowers-street-temperatures https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/oepsite/documents/climate/Heat.CAPWorkshops%202025%20AllSlides.pdf https://www.coolseal.com/blog/az-family Hiking Recommendations! https://tucsontopia.com/tanque-verde-falls/ https://wildpathsaz.com/pusch-peak/ https://www.arizonahighways.com/cochise-trail https://adventuresofaplusk.com/bear-canyon-to-seven-falls-trail/?srsltid=AfmBOopxtf54vPgFb6XX5rSiwzwPpfIXezBijXK_ClrUyed7McDH5TFx Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Donate to America Adapts Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook! Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we're also on YouTube! Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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