A study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) estimates that recent heatwaves in the UK led to over 2,700 additional deaths, with 29 drownings recorded in May and June. During the three-day peak of the June heatwave, about 440 excess deaths occurred per day in England and Wales.
Drowning Incidents Highlight Risks
Two men died on Sunday afternoon after entering the water to rescue two children at Seaton Carew beach, Hartlepool. Cleveland Police confirmed both children were safe after being taken to hospital. In separate incidents last week, police in Greater Manchester and Derbyshire recovered the bodies of two 18-year-old men. The Mirror's 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign, named after 16-year-old Sam Haycock who drowned in 2021, calls for improved water safety.
Health Impacts of Extreme Heat
High temperatures are linked to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, stress on the heart and kidneys, and worsening chronic conditions like heart disease, lung conditions, and diabetes. They also exacerbate mental health issues and increase violence. The LSHTM report found that 42% of the deaths during the June heatwave would not have occurred without the 1.4°C of human-caused global warming. The total excludes the July heatwave.
Expert and Political Reactions
Dr Clair Barnes of Imperial College London stated: "People need to be aware that we are now seeing dangerous climate-change fuelled heat that is claiming lives, disrupting schools and hospitals and shutting down transport and infrastructure." Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, added: "These deaths are on the hands of politicians who have failed to act over the years."
Comparative Data and Context
For comparison, about four people die daily from road traffic collisions and about 35 from alcohol and drug use. The May heatwave, with temperatures peaking at 35.1°C, saw an estimated 550 heat-related deaths over nine days. The June heatwave, which reached above 37°C, caused about 2,200 deaths over 11 days. Researchers attributed 327 excess deaths in May and 825 in June to man-made climate warming.
The Met Office's Dr Mark McCarthy noted: "This combination of extreme daytime heat, high humidity and hot nights all act to really contribute and increase the impact these heatwaves have on our infrastructure, on transport, agriculture and particularly on our health and well being."
