Conservationists have warned that the extreme heatwave gripping the UK this week, with temperatures reaching 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, poses long-term risks to trees, wildlife, and humans. The heat record for June was broken for a third consecutive day, as wildfires burned and flash flood alerts were issued.
Tree Deaths and Disease Risk
Chris Nichols, head of conservation outcomes and evidence at the Woodland Trust, stated: "Some trees might get a temporary boost from warmer weather but when it comes to temperature extremes, it’s going to be a tough year. Many trees will likely die, particularly younger ones and in urban areas. Extreme weather weakens our woods and trees in the long run, which makes it easier for pests and disease to take hold." He emphasized that the Woodland Trust is focused on building resilience in woodland ecosystems to help communities stay cooler and cope with climate change.
Impact on Wildlife
The RSPB highlighted longer-term impacts on bird species, including drought. Hard ground makes finding food difficult for birds with invertebrate diets, while dropping wetland water levels and warming marine systems disrupt plant, plankton, and fish populations. Dry vegetation increases fire risk, and several wildfires have already occurred across the country.
Kelly Thomas, RSPB senior ecologist, said: "Breeding birds may have fared well this spring, but the heatwave could negatively impact what they can feed their young. As vital areas of vegetation collapse, so do the invertebrate populations which many young birds depend on. Butterflies can respond rapidly to weather changes with some species benefitting from the warmth, but dry vegetation reduces food availability for caterpillars resulting in poor breeding success and population collapse." She added: "Climate change is having a real impact on people, landscapes and wildlife right now, right here in the UK. This is an emergency that is only going to get worse. Organisations like the RSPB can only do so much, we also need the UK government to respond by protecting, restoring and investing in nature."
Climate Change Link
A study by the World Weather Attribution study found the current European heatwave would have been virtually impossible in 1976, stating that climate change is "unequivocally to blame" for the extreme heat this week.
