UKHSA warns: climate change intensifies UK health risks

The UK's climate is changing, bringing warmer, wetter weather and more frequent, intense extreme events. This directly impacts public health, making it crucial to understand the risks and build resilience. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights these challenges, emphasising the need for robust strategies to protect communities across the country.

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Understanding climate change impacts on UK health

The UK's changing climate: warmer, wetter, more extreme

The UK's weather patterns are shifting significantly, becoming both warmer and wetter. This change is leading to a rise in the frequency and intensity of adverse weather events. Heatwaves, flooding, and even periods of extreme cold are becoming more common and severe, posing direct threats to public health across the nation. The UKHSA states that "The UK's weather is becoming warmer and wetter, and adverse weather events - heatwaves, flooding, extreme cold - are growing more frequent and intense"1. These shifts have serious consequences for everyone, particularly as our infrastructure and public services adapt to new environmental pressures.

Direct health risks from adverse weather events

The immediate health risks from these changing weather patterns are stark. Heat-related illnesses, ranging from heat exhaustion to life-threatening heatstroke, are a growing concern. The UKHSA notes that "In the UK, excess heat-related deaths begin to occur above 25°C, with risks rising sharply as temperatures climb further". Beyond heat, flooding presents its own set of dangers, including physical injuries, waterborne diseases, and significant disruption to daily life and access to essential services.

Specific health risks from extreme heat and other events

Heat-related mortality and illness in the UK

Extreme heat is a silent but deadly threat. As temperatures consistently exceed 25°C, the body struggles to regulate its core temperature, leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses and, tragically, increased mortality. While a record-warm summer in 2025 saw high temperatures, improved planning and public awareness demonstrated that lives can be saved even during such events. An estimated 1,504 heat-associated deaths were recorded in 2025, which was around 1,535 fewer than modelled based on historical temperature-mortality relationships. This highlights the critical role of preparedness and public health messaging in mitigating the worst outcomes.

Impacts on cardiovascular and respiratory conditions

The effects of extreme heat extend beyond direct heatstroke, significantly exacerbating existing health conditions. Heat exacerbates cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and increases the risk of sudden, serious events such as heart attacks, strokes, and breathing difficulties. For individuals already managing these long-term conditions, heatwaves can trigger acute episodes, leading to hospital admissions and increased mortality. The strain on the healthcare system during these periods is considerable, demanding proactive measures to protect vulnerable patients.

Mental health and climate change

Beyond the physical, climate change also casts a long shadow over mental well-being. Globally, the UKHSA recognises climate change as one of the greatest threats to health security, with potential impacts on mental health and wellbeing. The stress of experiencing extreme weather events, such as flooding or prolonged heatwaves, can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Concerns about future climate impacts, displacement, and the disruption of daily routines contribute to a growing sense of unease. Public health strategies must increasingly recognise and address these psychological burdens, offering support and resources to affected communities.

Vulnerable groups and health inequalities

Protecting the young, elderly, and those with long-term conditions

Certain groups are disproportionately affected by climate-related health impacts. The very young, older people, and individuals with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and other adverse weather events. Infants and young children have less developed thermoregulation systems, while older adults may have reduced physiological reserves and may be on medications that interfere with heat adaptation. Those with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart failure, or respiratory conditions face heightened risks of their conditions worsening during heatwaves. Addressing these health inequalities requires targeted support and tailored interventions.

Social care and emergency service responses

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events places immense pressure on social care and emergency services. During heatwaves, demand for ambulance services and hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses and exacerbated chronic conditions can surge. Social care providers face challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of their clients, particularly those who are isolated or have limited mobility. Effective climate adaptation plans must include robust strategies for these critical services, ensuring they have the resources and protocols to respond effectively and protect vulnerable individuals.

Building resilience: UK strategies and preparedness

UKHSA guidance and weather health alerts

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plays a central role in safeguarding public health against climate change impacts. The agency provides vital guidance and continuously monitors health effects to protect communities. In 2023, UKHSA and its partners implemented an updated Adverse Weather and Health Plan for England, and UKHSA launched a new impact-based Weather-Health Alerting system to provide early warning of adverse temperatures. These alerts are crucial for enabling individuals, healthcare providers, and local authorities to take preventative action. The UKHSA emphasises that "It demonstrates that with the right planning and public awareness, lives can be saved even during record-breaking heat", underscoring the power of collective action.

Government policy and climate adaptation plans

The UK Government is developing policies and climate adaptation plans to address the health impacts of a changing climate. These strategies aim to build resilience across various sectors, from infrastructure to public health services. Reports and guidance published by government bodies outline the projected health effects and propose adaptation measures to minimise risks. These national efforts provide a framework for local authorities and communities to develop their own tailored preparedness plans.

Community and individual preparedness measures

Building resilience isn't solely a top-down effort; it also relies on community and individual actions. Simple, practical steps can make a significant difference during extreme weather events. This includes staying hydrated, seeking shade, checking on vulnerable neighbours, and knowing the symptoms of heat stress. For homes, measures like improving insulation, using reflective blinds, and ensuring adequate ventilation can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Having an emergency plan for power outages or flooding is also a crucial aspect of personal preparedness.

The role of clean energy in a healthier UK future

Reducing air pollution and improving public health

The transition to a clean energy system offers profound public health benefits. By moving away from fossil fuels, we can significantly reduce air pollution, which is a major contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Cleaner air means fewer cases of asthma, bronchitis, and heart attacks, leading to a healthier population and reduced strain on the NHS. This direct link between clean energy and improved public health underscores the urgency of accelerating the energy transition.

Stabilising the climate through abundant clean energy

At Fuse, we believe in a future with power to play with, challenging the scarcity narrative that has long dominated energy discussions. Abundant clean energy is not just about reducing emissions; it's a foundational solution for stabilising the climate itself. By contributing to the broader transition towards climate stability, Fuse aims to help mitigate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that directly harm health. This approach offers a path to a healthier, more resilient UK, where the fear of energy scarcity no longer dictates our well-being.

Empowering resilience with modern energy systems

Modern energy systems, powered by clean and abundant sources, empower individuals and communities to build resilience against climate impacts. Fuse's offerings, such as home energy upgrades and smart energy management, can help households increase their resilience and independence from the grid during extreme weather. This can include supporting power for cooling during heatwaves or helping to keep critical appliances running during other adverse events. While Fuse Energy does not provide direct health advice or medical services, its contribution to public health is through enabling a clean, stable energy system that supports a more resilient and healthier future for all.

Managing your energy bills and contributing to a healthier future should be straightforward. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through its app, and 24/7 human customer support to help you take control of your energy. We believe in a future with abundant clean energy, empowering you to make a positive impact. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and join us in building a more resilient energy system. Discover more about our mission here.

References

1. UK Government. What is the impact of climate change and adverse weather on summers in the UK?