Heatwave warnings and NHS strain highlighted in reader letters
8 reported
A collection of letters published in The Guardian on June 24, 2026, addresses the UK’s preparedness for extreme heatwaves, citing a red heat alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency in parts of England. The letters note that this is only the second time such an alert has been issued, with the first in 2022 coinciding with an estimated 2,985 excess deaths in England. NHS England data shows a 53% surge in overheating incidents between 2016-17 and 2023-24, increasing demand for healthcare among the very young, elderly, and those with chronic conditions. One letter writer, Dr Mark Harber, special adviser on healthcare sustainability at the Royal College of Physicians, describes the situation as a patient-safety crisis requiring investment in building upgrades and workforce preparedness. Another letter from a retired teacher criticizes sending children home during heatwaves, arguing many may lack adequate cooling at home. A third letter references a UN meeting 30 years ago and an Earth summit warning from Davi Yanomami about ecological catastrophe. A fourth letter compares the success of London’s air-quality policies, which reduced deaths linked to air pollution by 40%, to the need for similar political will to adapt cities to heatwaves.
What’s reported
The UK Health Security Agency issued a red heat alert in parts of England, only the second time such an alert has been issued.
The first red alert in 2022 coincided with five waves of extreme heat causing an estimated 2,985 excess deaths in England.
NHS England data shows a 53% surge in overheating incidents between 2016-17 and 2023-24.
The surge increased demand for healthcare, especially among the very young, elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
Dr Mark Harber is special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change at the Royal College of Physicians.
A letter writer attended a UN Preparatory Commission meeting in New York over 30 years ago and heard climate scientists warn of a 20-year window to solve an environmental problem.
Davi Yanomami warned about ecological catastrophe at the Earth summit in Rio de Janeiro.
A study estimates deaths linked to London air pollution have fallen 40%.
Key figures
Dr Mark Harber, special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change, Royal College of Physicians
Sarah James, retired teacher (letter writer)
Linda Rabben, Baltimore, Maryland, US (letter writer)
Fernando Quintana Marrero, London (letter writer)
Davi Yanomami (mentioned as speaker at Earth summit)
Sources: The Guardian
