Ishita Roy

Extreme Heat in UK: Growing Health Crisis

Heath wave and health crisis in UK

According to a recent study conducted by Imperial College London's Grantham Institute, one in every five persons in the UK has been unwell as a result of rising healthcare during the previous five years. This was proved again in 2024, when global average temperatures rose by more over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time.

Heatwaves are also known as "silent killers", are the deadliest form of extreme weather. Unlike storms or wildfires, the dangers may be less visible, and are also often underreported. There are vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, urban population and homeless population face the highest risks. This includes not just physical, but only mental health impacts.

The study polled a nationally representative sample of 897 people to look at the consequences of heatwaves in the United Kingdom. These discoveries include:

More over two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about increasing temperatures.

Health Effects: In the last five years, one in every five persons has reported having heat-related health difficulties.

Risks for vulnerable groups: People with pre-existing diseases, such as mental health or cardiovascular issues, were twice as likely to become ill during heat waves.

Reduced Productivity: More than 40% of respondents reported difficulty working in hot weather.

<h4>Heatwaves: More Common, More Dangerous</h4>

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. For instance, UK temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time in 2022. Research by World Weather Attribution at Imperial College found that climate change made this extreme heatwave about 2°C hotter and 100 times more likely.

Dr. Neil Jennings, who led the study, emphasized the urgent need for better preparation to mitigate the effects of extreme heat:

“Our homes and workplaces were just not built for the extreme conditions we’re experiencing today. Many older buildings are poorly insulated, making them cold in winter and prone to overheating in summer, which increases health risks.”

As per the World Health Organization, the number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change in all world regions. Heat-related mortality also increased for people over 65 age by 85%. This was reported between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021.

WHO also says that heat is shaped by both physiological factors, such as health status and exposure factors such as occupation and socio-economic conditions. The negative health impacts of heat are predictable and thus can be preventable too. WHO also issues guidance for public health institutions to identify and manage extreme heat risks.

The report underlines the importance of taking immediate action to address the issues caused by a warming climate. Recommendations include

Improving Building Standards: New buildings will have more stringent requirements to avoid overheating and boost insulation.

Raising understanding: Increasing public knowledge of the health risks associated with high heat, particularly among people with pre-existing conditions.

Improving Support Systems: Providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups before, during, and after heatwaves.

Reducing Emissions: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further climate change and its associated risks.

Dr. Jennings warned of the consequences of inaction: “If we fail to prepare, many more vulnerable people will suffer preventable deaths before this decade is out.”

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According to a recent study conducted by Imperial College London's Grantham Institute, one in every five persons in the UK has been unwell as a result of rising healthcare during the previous five years. This was proved again in 2024, when global average temperatures rose by more over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time.Heatwaves are also known as "silent killers", are the deadliest form of extreme weather. Unlike storms or wildfires, the dangers may be less visible, and are also often underreported. There are vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, urban population and homeless population face the highest risks. This includes not just physical, but only mental health impacts. What did the researchers find?The study polled a nationally representative sample of 897 people to look at the consequences of heatwaves in the United Kingdom. These discoveries include:More over two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about increasing temperatures.Health Effects: In the last five years, one in every five persons has reported having heat-related health difficulties.Risks for vulnerable groups: People with pre-existing diseases, such as mental health or cardiovascular issues, were twice as likely to become ill during heat waves.Reduced Productivity: More than 40% of respondents reported difficulty working in hot weather.Heatwaves: More Common, More DangerousHeatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. For instance, UK temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time in 2022. Research by World Weather Attribution at Imperial College found that climate change made this extreme heatwave about 2°C hotter and 100 times more likely.Dr. Neil Jennings, who led the study, emphasized the urgent need for better preparation to mitigate the effects of extreme heat:“Our homes and workplaces were just not built for the extreme conditions we’re experiencing today. Many older buildings are poorly insulated, making them cold in winter and prone to overheating in summer, which increases health risks.”As per the World Health Organization, the number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change in all world regions. Heat-related mortality also increased for people over 65 age by 85%. This was reported between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021.WHO also says that heat is shaped by both physiological factors, such as health status and exposure factors such as occupation and socio-economic conditions. The negative health impacts of heat are predictable and thus can be preventable too. WHO also issues guidance for public health institutions to identify and manage extreme heat risks.Call to ActionThe report underlines the importance of taking immediate action to address the issues caused by a warming climate. Recommendations includeImproving Building Standards: New buildings will have more stringent requirements to avoid overheating and boost insulation.Raising understanding: Increasing public knowledge of the health risks associated with high heat, particularly among people with pre-existing conditions.Improving Support Systems: Providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups before, during, and after heatwaves.Reducing Emissions: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further climate change and its associated risks.Dr. Jennings warned of the consequences of inaction: “If we fail to prepare, many more vulnerable people will suffer preventable deaths before this decade is out.”