Introduction
Climate change is a pressing global problem that necessitates collaborative action from governments, businesses, and the public. Its impact is widespread, with extreme heat events representing one of the most severe effects, as seen during the damaging 2019 UK heatwave. Although the UK has pursued political strategies to limit emissions and expand renewable energy, its difficulties in meeting these goals highlight the deep political challenges of climate action.
The extreme heat event of the summer of 2019 serves as a reminder of the urgency of action on climate change. It showcases the UK government’s efforts to address the issue. In response to the crisis, the government took several steps to reduce the dangers and defend vulnerable communities. The event had a profound impact on public opinion and media coverage, underscoring the importance of media literacy and public engagement in shaping government action on climate change.
This research paper examines the British experience with the extreme heat event, governmental response, media coverage, and its impact on public opinion, comparing it to the Australian response to its own extreme heat event. By examining these dynamics, this paper sheds light on the complex and politically charged nature of climate change, as well as the challenges associated with addressing this issue.
UK’s Experience with Extreme Heat Events
Extreme heat waves have hit the UK recently, including one in the summer of 2019. A high-pressure system that pushed hot air from the Sahara Desert to the UK created a heatwave, resulting in temperatures above 30°C in numerous regions of the nation (Ratnayake et al., 2019).
The heatwave had a significant impact on the UK, affecting people, animals, and infrastructure. Hospitals saw an increase in the number of patients with heat-related ailments. There were concerns about how the heat might affect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and individuals with respiratory diseases. Additionally, there have been reports of wildfires igniting in various locations throughout the UK, notably in moorland regions.
Infrastructure was also significantly impacted by the heat wave. Due to collapsing rails, there were delays in train operations, and heat-related effects on road surfaces were warned of. There were concerns about how the heat might impact agriculture, and several water companies banned the use of hosepipes. The 2019 heat wave was not an isolated incident.
In recent years, the UK has experienced a range of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and flooding. A protracted heat wave that lasted for many weeks in the UK in 2018 caused significant disruption and water shortages in some regions (He et al., 2022). These effects and reports of wildfires starting in some parts of the UK, particularly in moorland areas, were also reported. The dry and hot weather made it tough to put out these fires.
Climate scientists have cautioned that extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, are projected to become more common and severe due to climate change. The UK’s Committee on Climate Change has advised that the nation prepare for extreme events, such as enhancing infrastructure resilience, reducing the risk of flooding, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Politics of Climate Change in the UK
Climate change is a complex and politically charged issue that has received significant attention from governments worldwide. In the UK, the politics of climate change have been marked by efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources (Lewis et al., 2019).
The UK government has committed to reducing emissions by 80% by 2050. It has implemented several policies to achieve this goal, including the Climate Change Act of 2008 and the establishment of the Committee on Climate Change (Lockwood, 2018). Despite these efforts, the UK has faced challenges in achieving its climate goals, with emissions still high and progress towards reducing emissions slow (Dolšak & Prakash, 2018).
This highlights the political challenges of addressing climate change and underscores the need for ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and support for action. For example, as noted by Huber (2020), populist attitudes can explain climate change skepticism and support for environmental protection. Populist attitudes can create a hostile political environment for addressing climate change, making it difficult for governments to pursue policies that effectively tackle the issue.
The extreme heat event of the summer of 2019 in the UK serves as a wake-up call for the urgent need for action on climate change. The UK government’s response to this event showcased its efforts to address the issue. (O’Neill, 2020). This event was significant because it was the first time in many years that the government had experienced such high temperatures, raising public concerns about the impacts of climate change (Lewis et al., 2019).
The extreme heat event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for continued action on climate change in the UK and globally. It highlights the need to resolve the problems causing these events and prevent future extreme weather occurences. As noted by Dolšak & Prakash (2018), the politics of climate change adaptation is a complex issue that requires action at all levels of society, including the government, businesses, and individuals. It highlights the need for governments to better prepare for and respond to extreme weather events while taking action to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Government Response
The government’s response to the extreme heat event was twofold. First, the government warned the public about the dangers of heat and encouraged people to take precautions to protect themselves (O’Neill, 2020). Second, the government announced a review of its climate change policies, focusing on better preparing for and responding to extreme weather events in the future (Dolšak & Prakash, 2018).
It was generally seen as appropriate and practical, with many experts praising the government for its proactive approach (Lewis et al., 2019). However, some critics argued that the government’s response was insufficient and that more action was needed to resolve the root causes of climate change and prevent future extreme weather events (Lockwood, 2018).
Public Health Warnings
The UK government’s primary response to the extreme heat waves in the summer of 2019 was to issue public health warnings. These alerts were designed to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by the heatwave, particularly for the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions (Linares et al., 2020). Public health advisories offered tips on how to stay safe during the heatwave, including recommendations to stay inside during the warmest times of the day, drink plenty of water, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
The warnings were distributed using various media, including social media, radio, and television, to reach as many people as possible. The signs were directed at the general public, medical professionals, and emergency personnel, who were advised to watch for symptoms of heat-related disorders, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. As a result, more severe consequences could be avoided by early intervention and treatment.
Specific groups that were identified as being more susceptible to heat-related health issues were also targeted by public health warnings. The elderly, kids, expectant mothers, and people with existing medical problems were among these groups. This tailored strategy enabled a more successful response to the heatwave. It ensured that those who needed assistance the most received it.
In addition to the public health advisories, several actions were taken to encourage people to stay hydrated and relaxed throughout the heatwave (Linares et al., 2020). This included tips on maintaining a cool home, such as closing curtains and blinds to block the sun during the day and opening windows at night to let in cooler air. Additionally, the government recommended drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoiding physically demanding outdoor activities when it is hot outside.
Advice on Staying Cool
The recommendations for staying cool were intended to assist those at risk, such as older adults and individuals with respiratory issues, in remaining secure and comfortable throughout the heatwave. People were advised to stay inside during the hottest parts of the day, drink lots of water, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing, among other strategies for staying cool (Linares et al., 2020). Additionally, people were advised to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times and use fans and air conditioning to cool their homes.
Staying hydrated was one of the primary pieces of advice. In hot weather, drinking plenty of water is crucial because sweating causes the body to lose a significant amount of water. The suggestion is to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration, and always keep a water bottle on hand (He et al., 2022). The guideline also emphasized the importance of keeping homes cool in hot weather. Using fans or air conditioning and closing windows and doors during the hottest times of the day are ways to accomplish this.
Emergency Plans
The UK government’s primary response to extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves, is to activate emergency measures. Local governments in the UK started their emergency plans in reaction to the heatwave in the summer of 2019 (Parker & Zingoni de Baro, 2019). These strategies are designed to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
Establishing cooling centers is one of the most essential aspects of emergency preparedness during a heatwave. People might go to air-conditioned buildings called cooling centers to escape the heat. According to Parker and Zingoni de Baro (2019), these facilities are crucial for vulnerable groups and those without access to air conditioning. Typically, cooling centers are established in public spaces, such as community centers and libraries.
Distributing fans is another aspect of emergency planning during a heatwave. During a heat wave, fans can be a helpful tool for staying cool. Still, they are not always available or affordable for everyone. To ensure that everyone has access to a cooling device during the heatwave, local authorities may distribute fans to vulnerable populations, particularly those with low incomes (Parker & Zingoni de Baro, 2019).
Local authorities may also utilize emergency plans to coordinate outreach efforts with vulnerable communities. This could involve advising vulnerable groups on how to stay safe during the heatwave or checking in on seniors to ensure they remain hydrated and cool. Emergency plans can also include steps to shield personnel outside from the heat. This could entail providing shade, ensuring employees have access to water, and designing work schedules that avoid the warmest times of the day.
Water Supplies
Monitoring and regulating the water supply were among the government’s primary measures during the severe heatwaves that hit the UK in the summer of 2019. Due to the increased demand for water during the hot weather, which puts stress on water resources, this was necessary. Water companies in impacted areas implemented hosepipe bans to manage water supplies and lower water consumption (Parker & Zingoni de Baro, 2019). This was done to ensure an adequate water supply to meet the rising demand, especially in areas where water supplies were already strained by population growth and climate change.
Water providers implemented efforts to reduce leaks and improve water efficiency, in addition to implementing hosepipe bans. This involved fixing leaks and educating clients on using water more effectively, such as taking shorter showers or watering plants with a watering can rather than a hose (Perkins-Kirkpatrick & Lewis, 2020). The government collaborated with the water sector to correctly manage water resources during the heatwave. This required monitoring the water demand and supply in the affected areas and ensuring an adequate supply to meet the demand.
Transport Infrastructure
To combat the severe heatwaves in the summer of 2019, the UK government employed managing transportation infrastructure as a crucial tactic. The hot weather presented various difficulties for the transportation network, especially for the rail and road systems. The possibility of buckled tracks posed one of the biggest problems for rail services (Perkins-Kirkpatrick & Lewis, 2020).
The steel tracks can buckle under the weight of passing trains when the temperature rises, and the steel tracks expand. Network Rail, the government-owned organization responsible for overseeing the UK’s rail infrastructure, has implemented several measures to mitigate this danger, including speed limits and enhanced track surveillance.
To lower the risk of rail buckling, speed restrictions were implemented on several of the busiest rail lines in the UK, including the West Coast Main Line and the East Coast Main Line. Additionally, Network Rail expanded its track monitoring capabilities using track-mounted sensors, which can detect temperature changes and identify sections prone to buckling. The impact on road surfaces during the heatwave presented another difficulty for transportation infrastructure.
Roads can soften and become more vulnerable to damage in high temperatures, especially from heavier vehicles (Perkins-Kirkpatrick & Lewis, 2020). The government has established speed limits on select roads, particularly those with high traffic volumes, to mitigate this danger and reduce the likelihood of surface damage. The government also guided motorists on reducing the risk of heat-related road damage, including avoiding sudden stops and starts that could put additional strain on the road’s surface.
Risks to Agriculture
The high temperatures and dry conditions of the 2019 heatwave had a significant impact on UK agriculture, affecting crops and cattle. In response, the government implemented policies to mitigate the heatwave risks to agriculture, including providing farmers with guidance and assistance. Water scarcity was one of the main threats to agriculture during the heatwave. The dry weather caused the soil’s moisture levels to drop, negatively impacting crop growth and resulting in decreased crop yields.
Additionally, several areas had insufficient water supplies for irrigation, raising concerns about the impact on agriculture. The government offered farmers guidance on managing their water supplies during the heatwave to allay these worries (Perkins-Kirkpatrick & Lewis, 2020). This provided suggestions on using less water by choosing drought-resistant plants, irrigating less frequently, and timing irrigation better. The government also provided funding to help farmers implement these measures.
Public Opinion
It is widely recognized that significant events have a notable impact on shaping public opinion. The 2019 summer’s extreme heat event may have significantly impacted public opinion about climate change (O’Neill, 2020). According to a survey conducted by the UK government, the majority of the public believed that the extreme heat event was evidence of the impacts of climate change. They believed the government needed to take more action to address the issue (Lewis et al., 2019). This suggests that the extreme heat event may have increased public awareness and concern about climate change, motivating some people to become more involved in addressing the issue (Huber, 2020).
For example, as noted by Lewis et al. (2019), cross-national variations in determinants of climate change concern can impact public opinion and support for action. Thus, the severe heat wave that swept through the UK in the summer of 2019 significantly influenced public opinion, raising awareness of the dangers posed by climate change and the necessity of taking action to combat it. In the UK, the extreme heat event heightened public awareness of the impacts of climate change and the need for action, particularly among groups who were previously less concerned about the issue.
The public’s understanding of the dangers of climate change was increased, which was one of the significant effects of the heat wave. As the temperature increased, more people became aware of how extreme weather events affected their daily lives, including the risk of wildfires and the effects on public health. Public opinion surveys revealed a rising concern about climate change after the heat wave, reflecting this heightened awareness.
For instance, a YouGov poll released in August 2019 showed that, up from 61% the year before, 67% of UK citizens believed their government was not doing enough to combat climate change (He et al., 2022). The heat wave also affected how the general public felt about the role individuals play in tackling climate change. People became more aware of the need to take individual action to reduce carbon emissions and address the underlying causes of climate change as they struggled to cope with the extreme temperatures.
People’s choices to reduce energy use and opt for public transportation instead of driving during the heatwave were examples of how this was reflected in various individual behaviors. These steps were considered a means to lessen the effects of climate change and contribute to creating a more sustainable future. Additionally, as temperatures increased, many people experienced difficulty adjusting to the heat, particularly older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions (Perkins-Kirkpatrick & Lewis, 2020).
Hospital admissions for heat-related ailments, such as heat stroke and dehydration, increased significantly due to the heat wave. Additionally, the high temperatures caused problems for public transportation, with some train services being canceled due to concerns about how the heat would affect the tracks.
Media Coverage
The media played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of the extreme heat event. Many news outlets extensively covered the event, highlighting the impacts of the heat and the government’s response (Lewis et al., 2019). The media’s coverage of the event was generally balanced and informative (O’Neill, 2020). However, some news outlets took a more partisan approach, giving the event evidence of the need for immediate action on climate change, while others downplayed its significance (Huber, 2020).
This highlights the importance of media literacy and the need for the public to critically evaluate news sources and the information they present. For example, climate change imagery in the print media can impact public perception of the issue (O’Neill 2020). News images can influence public opinion about climate change, and fearful images increase concern, while downplaying images have the opposite effect.
Evaluating media coverage of climate change and extreme heat events is crucial to ensuring public perceptions are informed by accurate and balanced information rather than partisan or misleading sources. The 2019 heat wave in the UK received extensive and varied media coverage. News organizations presented a range of viewpoints on the incident, including the immediate effects of the heat wave and an analysis of the event’s more significant social and environmental implications. The impact of the heat wave on public health was one topic that received media attention.
As an illustration, Ratnayake et al. (2019) cited an article from The Guardian on the surge in ambulance call-outs during the heatwave, with specific locations experiencing an increase of up to 50% compared to the same period in prior years (He et al., 2022). The Times has highlighted the rise in cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly among the elderly, in its coverage of the heat wave’s impact on hospital admissions.
The media extensively covered the effects of the heat wave on the environment. The BBC highlighted the wildfire risk, noting that the number of fires in the UK had doubled since the previous year. Concerns regarding crop yields and animal effects were highlighted in a Guardian story on the heat wave’s effects on agriculture (Ratnayake et al., 2019). The government’s and other organizations’ reactions to the heat wave were another topic of media discussion.
According to a report in The Independent, the government’s heatwave strategy contained steps to assist vulnerable groups and guidance for the general public on keeping safe in hot weather. The media also reported on the challenges faced by emergency services and other organizations in responding to the heat wave, including its impact on public transportation and healthcare services.
The media covered the immediate effects of the heat wave and analyzed its longer-term impacts on society and the environment. According to Ratnayake et al. (2019), The Guardian, for instance, highlighted the connection between the heat wave and climate change, stating that extreme weather events like the heat wave were occurring more frequently due to global warming. Additionally, the media covered climate change activism and protests, such as the Extinction Rebellion demonstrations during and after the heat wave.
Australia’s Response
One interesting aspect to consider is the comparison between the responses of the UK and Australia to their respective extreme heat events. Australia experienced an extreme heat event during the summer of 2019 (O’Neill, 2020). The Australian government’s response to the event was similar to that of the UK, with the government issuing warnings to the public about the dangers of heat (Lewis et al., 2019). They announced a review of their climate change policies (Lewis et al., 2019).
However, the Australian government faced significant criticism for its response. Many experts and activists argued that it was not doing enough to address the root causes of climate change and that more action was needed (Lockwood, 2018). This comparison highlights the differences in the political responses to climate change between the UK and Australia, as well as the challenges governments face in addressing the issue (Huber, 2020). It demonstrates the importance of continued public pressure and advocacy. This is crucial in shaping government action on climate change and ensuring that sufficient action is taken to address the root causes of these events and prevent future extreme weather from occurring.
Extreme heat events have recently occurred in the UK and Australia, and both countries have taken steps to mitigate the associated risks. There are, however, some disparities between the two nations’ responses. Both nations have developed heatwave response plans that guide the mitigation of risks associated with extreme heat.
For instance, the UK’s plan outlines steps to protect vulnerable populations, such as older people, and lays out procedures for emergency services. It also offers guidance to the public on how to keep safe in hot weather (Ratnayake et al., 2019). Similarly, Australia’s National Heatwave Plan provides recommendations on mitigating the hazards of excessive heat, including emergency response protocols, public health messaging, and support for vulnerable groups.
However, there are some differences between how the two nations have implemented their heatwave response strategies. With a focus on providing guidance and support to local governments and emergency services, the UK government has adopted a more centralized approach to managing the hazards associated with excessive heat (Ratnayake et al., 2019). In Australia, on the other hand, the response to extreme heat is more decentralized, with state and local governments playing a more significant role in addressing the dangers of heatwaves.
The two nations’ responses to the more significant effects of extreme heat occurrences have also varied in some ways. The media covered the 2019 heatwave in the UK, focusing on the relationship between severe weather and climate change. There was broad acceptance of the need for immediate action to address the underlying causes of climate change (He et al., 2022). In contrast, Australia’s media has been more politicized in its coverage of extreme heat events, with certain media outlets and politicians downplaying the connection between extreme weather events and climate change.
Challenges of Addressing Extreme Heat
Politically Charged Nature of Climate Change
Due to the complexity and polarizing nature of the subject, addressing high-heat waves can be a challenging task. Extremely polarized opinions exist regarding the causes and solutions to the climate change problem, which is considered a significant factor in extreme heat events (Cruz et al., 2020). Due to this, creating and implementing effective measures to eliminate the risks related to extreme heat events can be a challenging task. For instance, certain groups may oppose policies that are perceived to jeopardize economic development or personal freedoms, while other groups may be more supportive of such policies.
Complexity of Climate Change
The fact that the effects of significant heatwaves are frequently unevenly distributed, both geographically and socially, presents another challenge in finding solutions. This suggests that certain demographics, including older adults, children, and individuals from low-income areas, may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat events than others. Inequalities may be exacerbated since these groups may not have as much access to resources and support systems to help them deal with intense heat episodes (Cruz et al., 2020).
Furthermore, because they are frequently influenced by various factors, such as urbanization, land use, and environmental degradation, the effects of extreme heat events can be challenging to predict and manage. Due to this complexity, it may be challenging to develop effective response plans and regulations that address the diverse and evolving risks associated with extreme heat events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of climate change continues to present significant challenges to governments worldwide. Britain’s extreme heat event experience highlights the pressing need for climate change action and the challenges in addressing this complex and divisive topic. The government’s response, media coverage, and public perception provide essential insights into how various stakeholders can collaborate to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat events and enhance climate change resilience.
These findings underscore the importance of ongoing research to comprehend the political and social dynamics of climate change and to devise effective strategies for mitigating its impacts. This study also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing climate change, which considers the diverse and increasing risks and consequences of extreme weather events. It achieves this by contrasting the UK’s response with Australia’s response to its own revolutionary heat event. The success of efforts to address climate change will depend on the collective efforts of governments, businesses, and individuals.
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