As climate change continues to impact weather all across the country, summers continue to get hotter and hotter, posing a huge risk to vulnerable populations. New Jersey and its residents are not immune to these changes. In fact, research by Climate Central has shown that New Jersey is the fastest-warming state in the Northeast United States.

Not only are summers continuing to get hotter, with rising temperatures New Jerseyans, particularly those most vulnerable to heat such as those experiencing homelessness, pregnant women, young children, outdoor workers, and urban residents are suffering from heat related illness and losing their lives due to excessive heat. There are an estimated 445 New Jerseyans per year who lose their lives due to excessive heat. In addition to summer temperatures rising, New Jersey’s population of people experiencing homelessness is also continuing to rise. With individuals experiencing homelessness being at the highest risk for heat related illness or death, it is imperative that New Jersey pass code red and ensure adequate cooling centers are open across the state.

We need Code Red (S2346) to protect New Jerseyans as temperatures continue to rise and summers continue to get hotter and hotter. Join us to urge Gov. Murphy to sign this critical piece of legislation into law!