DATA & FIGURES
The Met Office reported that June's minimum temperature was more than 2C above average across the UK, while England recorded overnight temperatures 2.6C above average. The heatwave resulted in more than 20,000 excess deaths in Europe, with 5,000 in France, 4,500 in Germany, 3,000 in Spain, 2,700 in Italy, 1,070 in Poland, and 862 in the UK between 22 and 28 June.
THE SCENARIO
The heatwave is part of a broader pattern of climate change, which is expected to result in more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. The Met Office projections indicate that hot spells will become more frequent in the UK's future climate, particularly over the south-east of the UK. Temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, but the heat would be most intense in summer.
DIRECT QUOTE
"Human-induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply." — Prof Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist
BBN INSIGHT
The Positive Side: The record-breaking heatwave has raised awareness about the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Negative Side: The heatwave has resulted in significant health implications, with more than 20,000 excess deaths in Europe, and has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the impacts of climate change on human health and the environment. The heatwave has also resulted in significant economic impacts, with disruptions to transport, energy, and water supply.