Heatwaves in Harrogate

by Sunita Soundur, Climate Action Coordinator at Zero Carbon Harrogate

What do we do when summer gets too hot?

It's a question many of us have found ourselves asking during the recent heatwave in which we saw temperatures of 30-40 degrees hit the UK. Trains were delayed, schools adjusted their schedules, workplaces adapted their hours and even a short walk to the shops felt more exhausting than usual.

In the past, when people have thought about climate change, images of melting ice caps, thin polar bears and distant weather events emerged. But this was thirty years ago.

Now, increasingly, an unstable climate is something we’re experiencing much closer to home, in our everyday lives; if it’s too hot, as it has been, parents need to find childcare when schools close; projects are left unfinished and delayed if it is too hot to work; we might not be able to just leave our windows or even the curtains open – even walking our pets during the day becomes a risk; another thing to think about.

Heat affects more than our comfort and convenience. It disrupts sleep, makes it harder to concentrate and communicate, reduces productivity and can even discourage us from exercising or spending time outdoors. For older people, young children and those with existing health conditions, extreme temperatures can pose much more serious risks, and that is a real concern. Our services are already stretched – what would adding heat strokes, heat exhaustion and heat-related deaths do?

The reality is that many of the buildings and public spaces we rely on every day were never designed for the temperatures we are now experiencing far more regularly so cooling down the spaces where we all live and work is vital and logical. 

When there is a problem, there is inevitably... a solution. So what can we do first?

In the short term, there are practical steps that help: keeping curtains closed on the sunny side of the house, opening windows when temperatures drop in the evening, creating airflow through the home and checking in on vulnerable neighbours can all make a difference.

But longer term, we need to think bigger. Sticking an ice pack on your neck; hanging out in the refrigerated zones of supermarkets; that sort of thing (I jest), will only take us so far.

We desperately need our homes to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. We need schools, hospitals, care homes and workplaces all more resilient. We need to create greener streets that provide shade and make walking more comfortable.

One answer is surprisingly simple: nature. Trees, green spaces and planting can help cool our towns naturally while also improving air quality, biodiversity and wellbeing. Less concrete and tarmac, more greenery and shade. If you have air con in the car, that’s great, go you! But concrete and tarmac aren’t our friend in a heatwave; trees are – and nature can very much provide vital natural cooling.

Another answer is lobbying the government. Supporting things like the “People’s Emergency Briefing” film – a short film commissioned to present the latest evidence on various topics like energy security, health and food and build an irresistible call for the Government to stage a televised emergency briefing, like they did for Covid-19; an essential step towards acknowledging how serious things are and that a WW2-scale response is now required.

At Zero Carbon Harrogate, we believe climate action isn't just about reducing emissions. It's about creating places where people can live healthy, comfortable and fulfilling lives. It’s about adapting to our new ‘normal’ cos yes, while England is still very much wet and rainy; it’s abundantly clear that we can longer talk about not getting hot weather like we may have done just a couple decades ago. It’s been 30-40 degrees. In England.

Again. 

Heatwaves are a problem. One that needs dealing with. Because they are not going away. They are happening increasingly, and every time one occurs, we should do well to not forget about in the weeks that aren’t experiencing a heatwave. 

While doing our best to keep cool more immediately, we must use heatwaves as a poignant reminder for us, that adapting to a changing climate need to happen now, and as much as possible. There is plenty of good stuff going on, but we need to step it up before it gets too hot.

And at ZCH, yes, it's something we have been campaigning for over the last ten years, and will continue to do so, come rain or shine! (couldn’t resist!)

The good news is that many of the solutions that help us stay cool also make Harrogate a greener, healthier and more enjoyable place to live for everyone.

Will you join us?