 The UK will see a 30% increase in days with uncomfortably hot temperatures if the world misses the 1.5ºC target, according to a new University of Oxford research. Switzerland, UK and Norway will see the world's most dramatic relative increase in days that require cooling interventions like window shutters, ventilation, fans, or air conditioning. 8 of the 10 countries with the greatest relative increase in uncomfortably hot days are expected to be in Northern Europe, with Canada and New Zealand completing the list. Switzerland and the UK will see a 30% increase in days with uncomfortably hot temperatures if the world heats to 2ºC, while Norway will see an increase of 28%. This is a conservative estimate and does not consider extreme events like heatwaves, which would come on top of this average increase. The researchers believe these countries are dangerously underprepared for this change. 'Right now, for example, sustainable cooling barely has a mention in the UK's net zero strategy,' said the study's co-author Dr Radhika Khosla. Researchers suggested having personal fans that cool only the space occupied by people (Picture: Shutterstock) 'Without adequate interventions to promote sustainable cooling we are likely to see a sharp increase in the use of energy guzzling systems like air conditioning, which could further increase emissions and lock us into a vicious cycle of burning fossil fuels to make us feel cooler while making the world outside hotter.' 'If we adapt the built environment in which we live, we won't need to increase air conditioning. But right now, in countries like the UK, our buildings act like greenhouses – no external protection from the sun in buildings, windows locked, no natural ventilation and no ceiling fans. Our buildings are exclusively prepared for the cold seasons.' explained co-lead author Dr J){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The UK will see a 30% increase in days with uncomfortably hot temperatures if the world misses the 1.5ºC target, according to a new University of Oxford research.
Switzerland, UK and Norway will see the world’s most dramatic relative increase in days that require cooling interventions like window shutters, ventilation, fans, or air conditioning.
8 of the 10 countries with the greatest relative increase in uncomfortably hot days are expected to be in Northern Europe, with Canada and New Zealand completing the list.
Switzerland and the UK will see a 30% increase in days with uncomfortably hot temperatures if the world heats to 2ºC, while Norway will see an increase of 28%.