The ‘Taylor Swift effect’ aims to provide water during Brazil’s life-threatening heat waves

By ELÉONORE HUGHES
Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian climatologist Núbia Beray Armond for years had been sounding the alarm about Rio de Janeiro’s need for an extreme heat plan including water distribution. Interest was tepid until a disastrous Taylor Swift concert last November — and now her phone won’t stop ringing. A woman died after suffering heat exposure that caused cardiorespiratory arrest during the concert. Her death sparked outrage. Many accused organizers of failing to deliver sufficient water for concertgoers. Brazil’s justice minister said the death was unacceptable, and his ministry issued a regulation obliging organizers of big events during heat waves to guarantee water for attendees. Others have been galvanized to enshrine water access into law.