UK: Heat-related deaths will rise 257% by 2050 because of climate change

Source(s): Guardian, the (UK)

The number of deaths caused by hot weather are expected to rise due to climate change, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, reports The Guardian.

The authors warn: "Our results indicate that health protection from hot weather will become increasingly necessary this century, and measures to reduce cold impacts will also remain important. Air conditioning is likely to become more widely used in the UK, which will reduce heat vulnerability. However, the distribution of cooling systems may reflect socio-economic inequalities unless they are heavily subsidised, and rising fuel costs may exacerbate this."

They added that the UK's elderly population, the most at-risk group from the effect of the heat are expected to grow and this makes it essential to plan how to cope with raising temperatures.

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