Unprecedented Heatwave in England: Why Climate Change Makes Deadly Summers 100 Times More Likely

The hot weather hitting the south-east of England this Saturday, with temperatures reaching 32°C (89.6°F), isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s alarming. Scientists say such extreme heat has become 100 times more likely due to climate change.

Global warming, driven by burning fossil fuels, is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. In the past, a day like Saturday would have been rare, occurring only once in 2,500 years without human influence. Now, summer heat in June is averaging 2-4°C (3.6-7.2°F) hotter than before.

This heat can be deadly, especially for the elderly and those with health problems. Between 2020 and 2024, over 10,000 people died prematurely from heat-related issues, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Criticism has been directed at the government for not doing enough to prepare for such extreme weather.

Extended exposure to high temperatures can strain the human body. Days in the south-east will see temperatures above 28°C for three days straight. Scientists stress that climate change has made this heatwave ten times more likely.

Dr. Ben Clarke from Imperial College London highlighted how vital it is to recognize human impact on climate. He stated, “This weather just wouldn’t have been a heatwave without human-induced warming.” In fact, 2024 saw record-high global temperatures, and unless emissions from carbon sources like coal and oil decline soon, we’ll likely surpass the crucial limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Dr. Friederike Otto, also from Imperial College London, pointed out that heatwaves often fly under the radar as causes of death. They can be referred to as “silent killers,” as people often suffer alone indoors. In 2022, Europe faced staggering heat-related fatalities, exceeding 60,000 deaths.

It’s not just about individual health; systemic problems arise too. The NHS faces growing pressure during heatwaves. Work conditions become tougher, and transport can be disrupted. Stress on healthcare and emergency services can increase. Moving toward renewable energy is crucial to mitigate these risks.

To prevent future heat-related deaths, Dr. Clarke advises that we switch to cleaner energy sources. Meanwhile, rising temperatures also bring threats like wildfires. Theodore Keeping from Imperial College mentioned we’ve already seen a record level of land burnt this year due to dry springs and heat waves.

Research indicates effective strategies can help people cope. Staying hydrated is crucial, as sweating helps keep the body cool. Closing windows and curtains during hot days and opening them at night can maintain a cooler indoor temperature. Notably, about 80% of UK homes tend to overheat in summer.

The UK even recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C for the first time in 2022. The Met Office suggests there’s a chance of hitting those levels again within the next 12 years.

It’s stark: extreme heat annually claims more lives than floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes combined. A report from Swiss Re noted that up to half a million people worldwide die from extreme heat each year. Chief economist Jérôme Haegeli emphasizes the need to recognize the dangers of heatwaves, citing their increasing frequency and the profound impacts on life, health, and infrastructure.

In short, the heat we are experiencing isn’t just a weather pattern—it’s a wake-up call about the realities of climate change and its devastating effects.

For more on the climate crisis and its consequences, visit World Weather Attribution.

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