Would increasing temperatures in major cities cause a drastic increase in heat-related deaths? Well many concerned about global warming believe so, but research by Virginia climatologist Dr. Patrick Michaels reveals otherwise. For starters, Michaels notes that growing cities always have increasing temperatures, due to sprawling blacktop and increased construction – the so-called urban heat island effect. But he notes as American cities have warmed, heat-related deaths have declined significantly, principally due to air conditioning. Rare, unexpected heat waves can be dangerous as people may be unfamiliar or too slow in their response. But just as residents of cities like Phoenix and Dallas do every summer day, people can surely figure out ways to beat the heat.