Lessons from the UK Heatwave

The month of July saw an unusual period of heat throughout the UK, peaking with a heatwave that occurred between the 17th and 19th of July. Met Office figures show that for the first time on record, temperatures in the UK reached over 40℃. This heatwave has amplified the fact that, despite years of warning from official climate advisors, the UK is not prepared to cope with the effects of climate change. While the country reflects on this most recent heatwave, there are many lessons to be learnt about how both mitigation and adaptation can help the UK prepare for its future. 

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July’s heatwave demonstrated clearly the difficulties associated with living in such extreme temperatures. Most notably, as the Met Office’s chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong explained, “this level of heat can have adverse health effects”. At these temperatures the risk applies to fit and healthy people, not just those in high-risk groups. The key problem Britain faces is that most of its buildings are not designed to cope with such extreme temperatures. This applies not only to homes but also work and school buildings, allowing for potential social and economic disruption. Similarly, the UK’s transport systems are insufficiently prepared. Last month's heatwave saw many rail lines cease to operate, or be forced to run at reduced speeds. It is clear that Britain’s infrastructure is not designed to withstand these extreme levels of heat.

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Despite growing evidence of Britain’s vulnerable position in the face of climate change, the UK government seems less than inclined to take the necessary action. The official Climate Change Committee (CCC) released a report in June 2021 which concluded that the government was failing to protect people from the increasing risk of climate change. Worryingly, addressing climate change seems to have fallen further down the government's list of priorities.

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 A recent New York Times article attributes this to the UK’s current cost-of-living crisis which has absorbed political attention. However, the climate crisis and the cost-of-living crisis are intrinsically linked and must be treated as such. There are many examples of research which show that as climate breakdown progresses, the cost of living will get significantly higher. Furthermore, the CCC’s report called the government's failure to act “absolutely illogical” as acting is up to 10 times more cost effective than not doing so.

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So, what do we believe the government should be doing?

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Firstly, the government must not let go of its commitments to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 (and should aim to make it sooner). There are many damning predictions for the UK’s future based on the assumption that it will meet its targets. If it doesn't, the results will inevitably be even worse. Every effort must be made by the government to mitigate the extent of climate breakdown, as a responsibility to both its citizens and the global community.

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In addition to this, the government must accept that the climate crisis is already here. No matter how much work is done to minimize future problems they cannot be erased completely and people must be prepared. Major adaptation to infrastructure is necessary, notably the insulation of homes and changes to railways. Similarly, it is vital that younger generations are educated on the changing world which they are part of. Climate education must prepare children and young people for the challenges they will inevitably face, and inspire them to work towards protecting the climate. The government must learn from the record breaking heat the UK experienced in July and work to protect its people for the future ahead.

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For advice on how to stay safe in the heat read the guidance from the Met Office here.