According to a report, the number of diet-related deaths in the UK may triple in the next 30 years, reaching about 7,000 per year.
This British Red Cross It warned that there is a dangerous gap in awareness of the risks posed by high temperatures in the UK.
The charity released a report called “Feeling Hot”, which looked at Britain’s readiness for rising temperatures and people’s awareness of the risks of heat waves.
We call on all UK governments to ensure that those most at risk of high temperatures have access to the targeted information, advice and support they need to take action and maintain safety and health
The report was released after a period of hot weather in the UK, which triggered an unprecedented warning of extreme high temperatures. It said heat waves and hot weather in the UK have increased and will continue to increase, both in intensity and duration.
“In the past few decades, the average length of the warm period has more than doubled. By 2050, the likelihood of the UK experiencing a hot summer will increase by 50%, and the number of deaths related to high temperatures may more than triple, reaching About 7,000 people a year. ,” the report said.
The charity’s research found that the possible risks caused by the heat wave do not match the level of public concern.
It can be seen that the public has a positive view of the term heat wave, which is regarded as bringing good weather. A survey shows that more than a quarter (26%) of people think heat wave is a good thing.
Opinion polls show that more than one-third (37%) of people believe that heat waves will become a problem in the future, but not now.
The report says the August 2020 heat wave caused a record 2,556 deaths UK And a major disruption throughout the UK.
Severe water shortage caused more than 300 households West Sussex Without water for five days, it is estimated that 5 million employee working days have been lost, causing approximately £770 million in losses to the British economy.
The study found that despite being a high-risk group, more than half (57%) of people aged 75 and over said that they did not consider themselves vulnerable to heat waves.
The survey involved 2,000 British adults in June 2021.
The results show that the majority (60%) of British adults have experienced at least one adverse effect of the hot weather in the UK, the most common being headaches (33%), dizziness or feeling weak (22%) or rash (21%)) .
Opinion polls found that 40% of adults have never seen information on how to protect themselves during a heat wave, and 9% said they have never warned in advance that a heat wave may occur in the UK.
Former TV weather host Sian Lloyd has joined the British Red Cross, calling for greater awareness and understanding of the risks associated with rising temperatures.
She said: “The UK is getting hotter and hotter. Due to climate change, heat waves have become longer and more extreme, and the health and well-being of many people will continue to be affected.
“We already know that certain groups are more susceptible to extreme heat, including people over 75 years of age, adults with underlying health problems, children and infants, and people living in penthouses and urban built-up areas with higher temperatures. .higher.”
Matthew Kilik, director of crisis response and community resilience at the British Red Cross, said: “Although many people believe that the heat wave in the UK will affect all of us.
“As a result, every year people are struggling for their health and well-being, the demand for healthcare services increases, traffic is interrupted, employers’ productivity decreases, and it may even be life-threatening.
“But heat waves are not necessarily fatal. From checking neighbors to providing first aid, simple early actions can keep you, your family and friends safe and healthy in hot weather.
“We call on all the British government to ensure that those most at risk of high temperatures have access to the targeted information, advice and support they need to take action and maintain safety and health.”
