Stop the rush! A slightly sinister sounding ‘intervention from policymakers’ (some kind of government ban?) is proposed. The nanny state must step in or people might use too much electricity keeping cool, or something. Worse still, they might expel heat into the outside air. Brits are living in the wrong type of homes it seems, or will be should a mythical Mediterranean-style climate ever arrive.
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The UK needs coordinated plans to stop a rush for air conditioning as temperatures rise, experts say.
Overheating is already a problem in UK homes, resulting in increasing levels of discomfort, illness and death, claim the researchers.
In a new policy brief, University of Exeter researchers warn that—without intervention from policymakers—many more UK households will opt for air-con.
This would lead to more carbon emissions, create new challenges for the energy system, and increase inequality.[Talkshop comment – what?]
The researchers call for a “passive-first” approach to keep people cool, and make five key recommendations to reduce risks and support action.
“In temperate countries like the UK, buildings have largely been built to retain warmth in winter rather than keep out the heat,” said Richard Hoggett, from the University of Exeter.
“Already in an average summer, around 20% of homes in England experience overheating. Risks are currently higher in London and the South East, but all regions of the UK will need to adapt.
“Recent research on the 2022 heat waves highlights that the country is currently ill-prepared for future extreme heat events.”
Full article here.
via Tallbloke’s Talkshop
August 1, 2024 at 04:35PM
Iowa Climate Science Education 