New polling reveals widespread public concern about the impact of the climate crisis on hospital patient safety, with three-quarters of Brits worried about the effect of high temperatures on the NHS's ability to treat patients.
The More in Common survey, commissioned by climate change non-profit Global Witness, found 75% of respondents concerned about the NHS's capacity to care for patients during hot weather, and 63% worried about schools' ability to teach pupils. The findings follow a summer that saw a record five heatwaves and wildfires across the UK.
Public support for solar-powered air conditioning
Seven in ten of those polled said the UK should roll out solar-powered air conditioning in schools and hospitals. When asked who should foot the bill, 37% said the government and taxpayers, while 22% said multinational oil and gas corporations should pay.
Three in four would support installing solar-powered air conditioning in schools and hospitals, and around two in three (69%) backed a new legal maximum indoor working temperature of 30 Celsius. Additionally, 65% supported requiring councils to open free, cool public spaces with air conditioning during heatwaves.
Campaigners urge fossil fuel companies to pay more tax
Global Witness is now calling for fossil fuel companies to pay more tax to fund climate adaptation and mitigation. Senior campaigner Flossie Boyd said: "Our schools and hospitals should be keeping people safe, but this summer many of us lost sleep worrying about our loved ones in baking hot classrooms and wards. MRI scanners cut out in the heat, teachers reported classrooms hitting 40 degrees and kids fell sick in sweltering school buildings."
Boyd added: "It's scandalous that as people's lives were put at risk this summer, the oil giants turbo-charging extreme heat were raking in sky-high profits, pushing for more dirty drilling and lower taxes. If Burnham wants to stand up for families and working people, he should stand up to oil giants, tax them fairly and use the proceeds to fund the climate preparedness Britain desperately needs – like solar-powered AC to protect the most vulnerable."
NHS buildings 'outdated' and 'unbearable' in heat
BMA council chair Dr Tom Dolphin said: "Health services have seen more patients coming through their doors because of the heat, and this demand, coupled with the outdated state of NHS buildings has made working throughout the heatwaves unbearable for large groups of staff, making their ability to provide safe and high quality care incredibly difficult."
He added: "While traditionally summer was a time when the NHS services and staff could rebuild and rest, we're now facing year-round pressures with no let-up – something extreme temperatures are only making worse. The NHS urgently needs funding to make healthcare buildings both greener and fit-for-purpose so that they can cope with the rapidly changing climate while not contributing to it."
