Preparing for extreme heat: understanding the impacts on health and wellbeing in UK cities

Intense heat waves leave their mark on the environment. Credit @Skynews

Are you prepared for the health risks of extreme heat? Our study shows that exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases. Check out our systematic review of the effects of extreme heat, both indoors and outdoors, on health in the UK.

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Target audience

Climate and Health interests and organisations

The problem

Our study aims to address the research gap on the links between extreme heat and non-communicable diseases in the UK. While the dangers of climate change are of global concern, and the adverse effects of climate change on health are well-established, there is limited systematic review evidence on the effects of extreme heat in homes on non-communicable diseases and related risk factors.

What we did and why

We conducted a systematic review of empirical studies that reported on associations between heatwaves/extreme heat and the risk of non-communicable diseases. Our review includes 24 studies published between 1996 and 2021, with a focus on the links between heat exposure and mortality, emergency hospital admissions, and lost life years. We conducted this study to understand better the historic and potential impacts of extreme heat on health and wellbeing to assist with planning interventions that may mitigate impact.

Our study’s contribution

This study adds to the literature on the impacts of heat exposure on health and well-being by utilising a transparent and robust method for evidence synthesis.

  • It calls for more longitudinal and experimental studies to assess the impact of indoor heat exposure on a broader range of non-communicable diseases.
  • It acknowledges the complexity of detecting and attributing the impacts of extreme heat, and highlights the need for advanced tools to evaluate detection and attribution.

Impacts for city policy and practice

The review highlights the need for sustainable urban development strategies:

  • to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands should be a priority in urban planning.
  • to investigate the impact of indoor heat exposure on health and well-being, including the potential link between indoor temperatures and all-cause mortality, heat stroke, hyperthermia, dehydration or hospital admission.

Further information

Full research article:

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