Adapting to a hotter UK: key risks and responses

Shand, Wayne and Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place (2026) Adapting to a hotter UK: key risks and responses [Report]

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Executive Summary

Key takeaways • The UK needs a clearer and better connected national and local focus on heat to address increasing risks to health and productivity. Responding to heat must form a core pillar of climate adaptation plans. • Building standards must be updated to improve the resilience of all housing to climate conditions. Patchwork regulations fail to protect vulnerable groups in existing properties and the national focus on energy efficiency retrofit may unintentionally increase overheating in homes. • Greater attention should be given to vulnerable and low-income groups most exposed to the health risks of heat. Targeted investment in adapting social and private rented sector homes is vital to prevent overheating and excess deaths during heatwaves. • Improved public information on the risks of heat is essential to encourage risk-reducing behaviours. Local vulnerability assessments, targeted information and practical advice are key to reducing heightened risks of extreme temperatures.

Item Type:	Report
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2026 10:03
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2026 11:36
DOI:	10.17638/03194539
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3194539
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