University of Oxford scientists have warned the UK is “dangerously unprepared” for the coming heat and faces “huge adaptation challenges”.
Temperatures of 40C had never been recorded in the UK until July 19 last year but by the year 2100 they could be appearing as frequently as every three years if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed, the Met Office has warned.
The heat in the summer of 2022 led to nearly 3,500 people dying, according to estimates in a recent study led by Barcelona’s Institute for Global Health estimates.
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Scientists at the University of Oxford have since warned that the UK is “dangerously unprepared” for the coming heat as most of its buildings were designed for a colder climate that is now disappearing.
Dr Radhika Khosla said: “Right now, for example, sustainable cooling barely has a mention in the UK’s net zero strategy.
“Without adequate interventions to promote sustainable cooling we are likely to see a sharp increase in the use of energy guzzling systems like air conditioning.
"This could further increase emissions and lock us into a vicious cycle of burning fossil fuels to make us feel cooler while making the world outside hotter.”
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The scientists have said that without large scape adaptation such as introducing ceiling fans, better ventilation or shaded protection from the sun’s rays, people may begin to rely on air condition.
This will place extra demand on the energy system and emit more greenhouse gases.
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