UK lawmakers urge government action on heatwave impacts
8 reported
The UK government is facing urgent calls to protect people from the intensifying effects of the climate crisis, as the country experiences what is described as the worst heatwave ever recorded in western Europe. Toby Perkins MP, chair of parliament’s environmental audit committee, warned ministers that the government is falling “far short of what is needed” and that a significant number of deaths is likely as a result of the current heatwave. Perkins demanded answers from the environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, on plans to tackle overheating in buildings, establishing maximum workplace temperatures, prescribing air conditioning for vulnerable people, and changing school timetables. The highest maximum temperature record for June was broken twice this week, peaking at 36.7C at Merryfield, Somerset on Thursday. The Climate Change Committee has warned for more than a decade that the UK’s plans to protect people from extreme weather are inadequate, estimating that 92% of existing homes will overheat within about 20 years. More than a thousand schools have been closed due to the heatwave, and hospitals in England have declared critical incidents as medical equipment and IT fail in the heat. A government spokesperson said the government is working across government to consider the Climate Change Committee’s latest recommendations and is already taking action by investing in clean power and ensuring new homes are designed to minimise unwanted heat.
What’s reported
The UK is experiencing the worst heatwave ever recorded in western Europe, a direct result of global heating.
Toby Perkins MP, chair of parliament’s environmental audit committee, warned of a likely significant number of deaths from the current heatwave.
The highest maximum temperature record for June was broken twice this week, peaking at 36.7C at Merryfield, Somerset on Thursday.
The Climate Change Committee estimates that 92% of existing homes will overheat within about 20 years.
More than a thousand schools have been closed due to the heatwave.
Hospitals in England have declared critical incidents as medical equipment and IT fail in the heat.
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the National Heat Risk Commission, said the heatwave risks losses of hundreds of millions of pounds to the economy and will cause hundreds of deaths.
A government spokesperson said the government is working to consider the Climate Change Committee’s latest recommendations and is taking action on clean power and new home design.
Key figures
Toby Perkins MP, chair of parliament’s environmental audit committee
Emma Reynolds, environment secretary
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the National Heat Risk Commission and at the London School of Economics
Flossie Boyd, at Global Witness
Katie White, climate minister
A government spokesperson (not named)
Sources: The Guardian
