Extreme heat has emerged as a significant and growing risk for the United Kingdom. In 2022, the UK experienced temperatures exceeding 40°C, leading to nearly 3,000 excess deaths in England alone. The consequences of this heatwave were severe, resulting in buckled train lines, overwhelmed hospitals, and emergency services stretched to their limits. Globally, extreme heat claims approximately 489,000 lives each year, with many of these deaths deemed preventable. A recent study published in the journal Earth’s Future highlights the urgent need for the UK to prepare for a future characterized by extreme heat.
The UK’s current approach largely focuses on immediate health impacts, neglecting broader consequences affecting education, supply chains, infrastructure, and the economy. An analysis of the 2022 heatwave revealed a cascade of adverse effects, including wildfires, power outages, water shortages, and transportation disruptions. For instance, Network Rail, responsible for the country’s railway infrastructure, incurred costs of £51 million in compensation due to heat-related disruptions from 2016 to 2021.
The ramifications of heat extend beyond national borders. According to UNICEF, in 2024, 242 million students worldwide faced school closures due to heat, resulting in an estimated US$863 billion (£643 billion) in workforce income losses in 2022 due to reduced productivity.
Key Actions for a Hotter Future
To effectively tackle these risks, the UK must prioritize five essential actions:
1. **Retrofit Buildings for Heat Resilience**
UK homes are designed to retain heat, a significant drawback during increasingly hot summers. Currently, over half of all homes in the UK can become uncomfortably hot during heatwaves, a figure that could rise to 90% if average global temperatures increase by 2°C. Many existing buildings, including some of the oldest in Europe, fall outside current overheating regulations. A national retrofit strategy is needed that includes passive cooling solutions like ventilation and shading. Cities such as Barcelona are leading by example, converting public schools into “climate shelters” equipped with fans, shade, and water access. The UK could implement similar initiatives in schools, libraries, and community centres to offer safe havens during heatwaves.
2. **Enhance Public Communication**
Simply issuing heat warnings is insufficient to change behavior. Many individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, may not understand the dangers of extreme heat. Public messaging must be clear, timely, and context-specific, offering practical advice for settings like care homes and schools. An effective example comes from Ahmedabad, India, where a Heat Action Plan significantly reduced heat-related fatalities. This program focuses on vulnerable populations, provides shade and water for outdoor workers, and employs a “heat rating” in forecasts to alert residents of impending dangers.
3. **Target Support for Vulnerable Populations**
The impact of heat is not evenly distributed. In 2022, urban areas like Hackney and Tower Hamlets in London experienced higher heat exposure due to their dense construction and limited green spaces. Vulnerable communities, including low-income residents, are particularly at risk but often lack the resources to cope. By mapping vulnerability hotspots, authorities can better allocate resources, such as cool spaces and welfare checks. London has already begun creating these maps, but they need to be consistently updated and integrated into local response strategies.
4. **Improve Coordination Among Agencies**
Research indicates a lack of comprehensive risk assessment during the 2022 heatwave. Emergency responders prioritized immediate incidents, while local and national authorities operated independently. Insights from a policy roundtable held in London on February 11 emphasize the necessity for a cross-sectoral national heat risk commission. Such a body could facilitate coordinated planning that encompasses health, transportation, and infrastructure. Initiatives like London’s Operation Helios, a multi-agency simulation exercise, are essential for ensuring preparedness for future heat events. Regularly repeating these exercises will enhance readiness.
5. **Adopt Low-Carbon Solutions**
Addressing heat risk must go hand in hand with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Relying heavily on energy-intensive solutions, such as air conditioning, can exacerbate local warming and increase emissions. Proactive measures can pave the way for low-emission strategies, including increasing public awareness about sustainable practices and designing greener urban environments. Incorporating more trees, shaded areas, cooling centres, and water features can significantly mitigate heat impacts.
As the UK faces a future marked by increasing temperatures, it is vital to adopt a comprehensive approach that prioritizes resilience, protects vulnerable communities, and translates policy into action before the next heatwave strikes.
