UK Warned to Adapt Infrastructure for Extreme Heat

The UK's Climate Change Committee (CCC) has issued a stark warning that extreme heatwaves are becoming an increasing public health risk due to climate change. The committee recommends introducing maximum temperature rules for workplaces and installing air conditioning in schools, hospitals, and care homes within the next decade or two.

According to the CCC's report, titled Well-Adapted UK, more than 90% of existing homes could overheat during extreme heatwaves. The committee suggests that businesses should deploy technologies like air conditioning, heat pumps, and green shading to keep workplaces cool. The report also highlights the need for cooling systems in schools and hospitals to protect vulnerable populations.

The CCC estimates that adapting the UK's infrastructure to cope with a changing climate will cost roughly £11 billion per year, split between the public and private sectors. However, the committee is confident that this investment would save the country money in the long run, potentially tens of billions of pounds annually. The report also warns that without stronger action, water shortages could surpass five billion litres per day by 2050.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds acknowledged the government's ongoing efforts to address climate change impacts but did not commit to new financial measures in response to the CCC's advice. She emphasized the importance of robust, independent science and stated that the government would carefully consider the committee's recommendations.

The number of UK homes with air conditioning has doubled to over 4 million in three years, as Britons complain of 'unliveable' conditions during high temperatures. Portable units are slightly more common than built-in versions. Experts suggest the increase in ownership is due to more people working from home and rising summer temperatures. The demand for cooling systems is coming from owners of both period and new-build properties, with loft conversions posing significant problems.

Air conditioning should be installed in all care homes and hospitals within the next 10 years, the CCC said in its findings on adapting to the impacts of global heating. With heatwaves expected to exceed 40°C in all parts of the UK by 2050, about nine in ten UK homes were likely to overheat.

Air conditioning is energy-intensive, accounting for about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. More efficient modern systems can use heat pumps, which are already subsidised by the government to replace gas boilers but are rarely installed at present. The cost of running air conditioning units varies significantly depending on the type and usage.