Greta Thunberg has warned that the 40°C heatwave currently affecting the UK is 'only the beginning' of the climate crisis, as she criticised British leaders for having their 'heads completely buried in the sand'. The 23-year-old climate activist told Metro that the blistering temperatures, which could break the June record, are a direct result of human-caused climate change.
Heatwave Details and Risks
The Met Office has issued a four-day extreme heat warning across large parts of England and Wales, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 40°C. The alert indicates a risk to life, and the scorching heat is expected to last until at least Thursday. The high temperatures are being driven by a 'heat-dome' settling over western Europe, where an area of high pressure becomes 'stuck' over one place, trapping warm air underneath. Scientists say climate change has made these phenomena more intense and frequent.
Thunberg's Criticism of UK Leadership
Thunberg stated: 'What is most concerning about this is not only that we continuously shatter heat records and destabilise the entire biosphere way faster than models have been predicting, but that it is not treated as the existential crisis it is in media and politics.' She added: 'The UK's responsibility for the climate crisis cannot be overstated, still its leaders continue acting as if there was no tomorrow.' Thunberg claimed that British leaders have their 'heads completely buried in the sand with pockets lined up with dirty money'.
Political Links to Fossil Fuels
Climate campaigners have long complained about the links between political parties and the fossil fuel industry. Research reported by the Guardian in 2025 shows that government ministers met representatives from the fossil fuel industry more than 500 times during Labour's first year in power. The government defended the meetings, stating they were part of their focus on driving 'forward our clean energy superpower mission'.
Calls for Climate Reparations
The UK has faced calls to pay climate reparations, with campaigners arguing that western countries became rich through centuries of high fossil fuel use, disproportionately affecting poorer countries in the Global South. Thunberg backed these calls, telling Metro: 'It's about time for the UK to repay its climate debt and limit the worst consequences of a crisis people are already dying from, which there is still time to do.'
Record Temperatures and School Closures
The record for the hottest ever May was broken last month, with parts of London hitting 34.8°C. Forecasters say there is 'growing confidence' this week could break the record for the hottest ever June of 35.6°C, set in 1976 in Southampton. Some schools in the red warning area are closing early to protect students from the heat, including the Wren Academy in north London, which will close at 1.50pm for three days.
Government Response
The UK government argues it is a global leader in decarbonisation and securing investment in clean energy industries. The UK has reduced emissions by over 50% while growing the economy by over 80% since 1990. The UK remains committed to reaching net zero by 2050, meaning total greenhouse gas emissions would equal those removed from the atmosphere. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been contacted for comment.
