Polling conducted for Greenpeace indicates that two-thirds of people had difficulty sleeping during June’s unprecedented heatwave, and nearly a quarter of families reported someone feeling unwell.
The heatwave resulted in additional expenses for many, disrupting various aspects of daily life, including work, education, transportation, and health appointments, according to a survey by YouGov involving over 2,235 participants. The primary concern was sleep disruption, with 65 percent of those surveyed indicating they had trouble sleeping.
The environmental organization highlighted these results as evidence of the “brutal reality” of insufficient climate action in the UK. It called on the British Government to require major polluters to contribute financially to efforts aimed at cooling homes, safeguarding public health, and strengthening infrastructure against heat-related challenges.
Polluters
Mel Evans, head of climate at Greenpeace UK, remarked, “Heatwaves are a growing health, housing, and economic crisis that is straining families’ finances.” She noted that as these conditions become increasingly common, the public expects corporate polluters responsible for environmental damage to pay their share of the costs for remediation.
“It is morally wrong that British households bear the economic, social, and physical consequences of climate change, largely driven by fossil fuel companies,” Evans added. “The government should prevent major polluters from exacerbating climate change and ensure they contribute to the expenses of cooling homes, securing infrastructure, and protecting public health.”
Fans
The report emerges as Britain endures its third heatwave of the summer, following record-breaking temperatures at the end of May and June. Climate change, primarily driven by fossil fuel combustion, is making heatwaves more severe and frequent. The advisory Climate Change Committee has warned that Britain is ill-prepared for the disruptions such climate impacts could cause.
During the recent heatwave, temperatures soared to a new record high of 37.7°C, surpassing the previous June record from 1976. This was compounded by high humidity and “tropical nights” where temperatures remained above 20°C.
The Greenpeace poll revealed that 44 percent of respondents found their homes unbearably or dangerously hot during June. More than a third incurred additional costs for fans, cooling systems, and cold food or drinks. One in eight had to discard spoiled food, and an equal number experienced travel disruptions due to the heat.
Upgrades
Additionally, 23 percent reported that they or someone in their household felt unwell due to the heat, underscoring the health risks of heatwaves. A small portion—two percent—had medical or support appointments canceled, delayed, or missed.
Nearly 10 percent reported being unable to work or losing working hours, while over a quarter noted decreased productivity, and three in five described their workplace as too hot. Eight percent experienced disruptions with their children’s education or childcare.
The survey further revealed that nearly half of respondents supported funding infrastructure upgrades to manage rising temperatures through levies on high carbon-emitting companies, making it the most favored option. Reducing public spending in other areas, raising taxes, or increasing government borrowing were unpopular choices, and one in eight did not see the need for such upgrades.
This Author
Emily Beament is the environment correspondent for Press Association.
