A survey has revealed that the number of British homes experiencing overheating during summer has surged to 80% over the past decade, a situation that experts are calling a crisis. Heat-related deaths in the UK number in the thousands annually, and there is an urgent need for emergency measures to help residents manage high temperatures and adapt their homes. The use of air conditioning in British homes has increased sevenfold from 2011 to 2022, now reaching 21%, which researchers warn could strain the electricity grid, increase carbon emissions, and worsen social inequality for families unable to afford air conditioning.
The study was spurred by a severe heatwave in 2022, marking the UK’s first recorded temperatures above 40°C. Between 2020 and 2024, over 10,000 deaths have been attributed to heat. Many in the UK misjudge the risks of heat, often associating it with leisure rather than danger. Additionally, half of those surveyed reported sleep disturbances and health issues due to heat, yet many lacked knowledge on how to cope with extreme temperatures.
The survey sampled nearly 1,600 households, highlighting that rates of reported overheating jumped from 18% in 2011 to 80% in 2022. Naturally ventilated homes are more prone to overheating, especially those built after 1900 and those with energy-efficient features focused on insulation, which can trap heat.
Low-income households are particularly vulnerable, being more than twice as likely to experience overheating compared to wealthier families. While building regulations have been updated to encourage passive cooling techniques only for new constructions, existing homes remain largely unaddressed. Experts criticize policymakers for dismissing overheating risks and inadequate public communication regarding the dangers.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize the need for urgent action to improve ventilation and passive cooling in homes, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. The study underscores the necessity of a more proactive approach to mitigate the health impacts of rising temperatures.
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