Extreme heat events 'creeping up on us', says expert

Extreme heat events are becoming more common in England, and experts are warning that people need to pay more attention to this growing problem. Dr Eugene Mohareb, a lecturer at the University of Reading, says that over the past 25 years, extreme heat has been 'creeping up on us. ' He compares the situation to the old story of a frog in a pot of water. If the water is heated slowly, the frog does not notice the danger and does not jump out. In the same way, people have not realized how much more frequent and intense heatwaves have become. Statistics show that June heatwaves are happening more often and are getting hotter each year.

One of the main ways to protect homes from extreme heat is by using insulation. While insulation is usually thought of as something that keeps houses warm in the winter, it can also help keep them cool in the summer. The special materials used in the walls of houses can act as a barrier, stopping too much heat from the sun from getting inside. At the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon, more people are asking about how insulation works. Harvey Fremlin, the managing director, says that the key is in the details. The materials used in the walls are designed to keep heat inside during the winter and block the sun’s heat in the summer.

The government has announced plans to build 1. 5 million new homes over the next four years. They want these homes to have heat pumps, which can keep people warm in the winter and, if installed correctly, can also help cool the house in the summer. Mechanical and heat recovery systems can filter outside air and bring fresh air into the home, providing both heating and cooling as needed. Upgrading from double glazing to triple glazing can also help, as the extra layer of glass reflects the sun’s rays and keeps homes cooler.

Although some of these solutions can be expensive, electric shutters are becoming more affordable. These shutters, which are common in countries like Spain, are expected to become more popular in the UK as people look for ways to keep their homes cool during heatwaves. Triple-glazed windows are another option, as they can reflect sunlight and prevent homes from overheating.

Air conditioning is another solution that many people think about, especially since it is common in southern Europe. However, Dr Mohareb does not think air conditioning is the best answer for the UK. He points out that there are only a few very hot days each year, so the cost of installing and running air conditioning is not really worth it for most people.

Heatwaves are especially dangerous for older people and those with health problems. A new report from the UK Green Building Council warns that climate change could mean some schools in London and the South of England will experience heatwave-like temperatures for up to 10 weeks a year if global temperatures rise by 2 degrees. Recent research from Imperial College London estimates that more than 550 people have died as a result of the recent hot weather.

The Met Office predicts that this summer is twice as likely to be hotter than usual. This puts pressure on towns and cities to make sure they are ready for more extreme heat events in the future. Dr Mohareb says that there is still time to act and that adaptation is the next big step. He believes that improving the quality of buildings and the built environment is essential to prepare for the extreme weather events that are expected in the coming years.