Strength of UK’s climate policies questioned as extreme heat threatens 6 million people in England

More than 6 million lives in England are at risk from extreme heat due to inadequate climate protections, according to a report by Friends of the Earth. The analysis builds on previous research by the campaign group and the University of Manchester.

Older people and young children have been found to be the most high-risk groups. 1.7 million under-5s and 4.3 million people over the age of 65 are living in the most heat-vulnerable neighbourhoods in England, the analysis found.

Figures for number of people at risk likely a conservative estimate

Heat-vulnerable neighbourhoods are defined as areas exposed to prolonged periods of very hot conditions, with an average of 27.5 degrees Celsius or higher for five days or more. Such conditions are becoming more common as the climate crisis deepens.

Scientific studies have identified more than 15,600 heat-vulnerable neighbourhoods across England. Birmingham potentially has the most such areas. It is likely that the current figures for the number of people at risk are a conservative estimate.

The real number could increase once people of all ages living with disabilities and health conditions are considered. There are concerns that the disproportionate impacts disabled people already feel will get worse without better plans to tackle climate change.

Labour called to bring stronger climate adaptation plans

Friends of the Earth and a couple of co-claimants including Doug Paulley, a disability rights activist, are preparing to challenge the UK’s climate adaptation plans at a high court hearing in a case thought to be the first of its kind in the country.

The group argues that plans introduced by the previous government do not sufficiently protect people from the expected impacts of climate change. It stresses the need for the Labour government to bring in much stronger plans to ensure the vulnerable are adequately protected.

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