Climate change kills.
Heatwaves cause one in five homes to dangerously overheat, and due to climate change, the likelihood of heatwaves has increased twofold. This means by 2040 the frequency of extreme heat events could quadruple to 7,000 every year.
Summer 2022 in England saw temperatures rise above 40C for the first time ever. According to official figures, the hottest day on record resulted in 638 more deaths than normal. This demonstrates just how vulnerable the UK’s built environment is to the demands of rising temperatures and protracted heat waves and the urgent need for the UK to modify its existing building stock and public places.
Whilst we all face risk from extreme heatwaves, the impact of extended hot weather is particularly harmful to the elderly, young children, people with pre-existing medical issues and the homeless.
The Elderly
The elderly, especially those in care homes, face significant risk during hot weather. Many will be suffering with health problems that can be exacerbated by extreme weather or taking medication that can interact with heat and cause adverse effects. Also, often being less mobile and therefore likely to spend extended periods of time indoors it can be harder for the elderly to escape the heat, especially given the often-inadequate ventilation of buildings and homes in the UK.
Young children & schools
Social isolation and increased risks of dehydration also all increase the likelihood for serious and sometimes fatal consequences for the elderly.
Children are more susceptible to sunburn and heat exhaustion especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors during the hottest part of the day. In school this is likely with PE lessons and lunch breaks. Such exposure and physical activity in extreme weather without good and frequent access to water and shade can cause dehydration which then also affects a child’s ability to concentrate and learn.
Low income households & public & social housing
Those from low-income households may have reduced access to healthcare making it harder to access treatment for heat-related illnesses. Also, low-income households may be more likely to experience overcrowding which can exacerbate the impacts of heatwaves and make it harder to maintain a safe and comfortable indoor temperature. This is especially true for those in large social housing blocks which often suffer from poor ventilation.
Homeless
Due to a lack of shelter and access to water, heatwaves have devastating consequences for the homeless. With exposure to environmental factors that increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as air pollution and urban heat islands but limited access to healthcare it creates an impossible situation and makes it hard to treat heat related illnesses.
People experiencing homelessness are already under significant stress due to their living conditions and unbearable heat can reduce coping mechanisms having knock on affects.
Pregnant people & long term health conditions
Due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, heatwaves can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke which can have serious consequences for both the pregnant person and their unborn child. Additionally, pregnant people may experience increased discomfort due to the added weight and changes in body temperature regulation that occur which can impact sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being.
