Overview
- The UK could see up to 10,000 heatwave-related deaths annually by 2050 if no action is taken, according to a report from the Environmental Audit Committee.
- The increased frequency of extreme heat events could cost the UK economy £60bn a year.
- The report recommends the Met Office should name heatwaves in the same way as storms to help raise awareness of the threats.
- Other recommendations include creating more parks and 'green infrastructure', particularly in urban areas, and retrofitting homes and offices with passive cooling measures.
- The UK Health Security Agency issued its first ever 'level 4' heat alert in July 2022 when 40C was recorded for the first time.