UK temperatures soared to above 40°C for the first time in 2022, and the UK Met Office issued its first ever heat advisory. Health, productivity, and infrastructure all suffered multiple losses. Extreme heat is rising in the UK and around the world posing immense socio-economic challenges. The “silent killer” of heatwaves can claim up to 10,000 lives annually in the UK without concerted action, with the most vulnerable at greatest risk. High temperatures can also cost the UK economy £60bn a year; 1.5-2% of GDP.
Oxford’s Future of Cooling Programme worked closely with the UK’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) to develop an inquiry on building heat resilience in the UK. Oxford research on the UK’s lack of preparedness catalyzed the inquiry process. Oxford researchers also served as Specialist Advisors to the EAC inquiry process. The process examined the relationship between heat and health; the adequacy of current Government policies in relation to current and future need for cooling; and considered measures to be taken to increase adaptation and resilience to rising temperatures. Written and oral evidence was provided, and the overall process resulted in an official EAC report on ‘Heat resilience and sustainable cooling’, to which policymakers are to respond.
