How the UK's extreme heat is shifting the conversation about air-con
The UK is facing a growing debate over the necessity of air conditioning as extreme heatwaves increasingly impact vulnerable populations in older, poorly ventilated housing. Experts highlight the 'urban heat island' effect, where brick and concrete structures retain heat, creating dangerous conditions for residents with health issues.
Why it matters
As climate change increases the frequency of heatwaves, the UK must decide whether to adapt its traditional housing stock or adopt energy-intensive cooling solutions like air conditioning.
How the UK's extreme heat is shifting the conversation about air-con
By Matt McGrath , Environment correspondent and Esme Stallard , Climate and Science Mandy Bourne lives with her 80‑year‑old mum in a top‑floor social housing flat in the West Midlands. Both struggle with health conditions exacerbated by the recent heatwaves.
For Mandy, temperature shifts can trigger flare-ups of her chronic lung condition. "I've got COPD and sometimes I can't breathe," she explains.
Across the UK, solid brick homes like theirs quietly absorb heat the way they have for decades. Charged‑up walls radiate warmth back into rooms that never get the chance to cool.
Mandy says she is constantly reaching for her inhaler as her flat overheats. "It's red hot in the flat. The sun is just beaming in."
Image source, Bloomberg via Getty Images Image caption, Many homes are built to radiate warmth back into rooms
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