‘That’s why we work in finance – so one day we can afford air-con’: Britain’s unequal heatwave
Summary
A heatwave in Britain is affecting people differently based on where and how they live. Wealthier workers in air-conditioned offices and homes are comfortable, while people in poorer areas suffer in overheated flats without air conditioning, which can cause health risks.Key Facts
- London experienced the hottest days in May ever recorded, reaching 35°C.
- Many poorer homes are not built to handle extreme heat and can get dangerously hot inside.
- Almost half of the poorest fifth of English households have homes that are likely to overheat, compared to 17% of the richest fifth.
- Air conditioning units and fans have increased in price, making them harder for some people to buy.
- Wealthier office workers often have air-conditioned offices, trains, and homes, staying cool during the heatwave.
- Some people in deprived areas have to sit outside or use fans to try to stay cool because their flats are too hot to sleep in.
- Health risks increase when indoor temperatures go above 25°C, especially for older people.
- The heatwave has highlighted the uneven effects of extreme weather on different income groups in the UK.
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