London Heatwave Exposes Inequality: Poor and Women Hit Hardest
A severe heatwave in Western Europe, among the worst on record, has made many cities nearly uninhabitable due to high temperatures and humidity exacerbated by the climate crisis. In the UK, 1,000 schools closed in June. While some face only sleepless nights and stuffy home-office days, low-income families, especially women, suffer more from cities' lack of adaptation. Asad Rehman, executive director of Friends of the Earth, stated, "The heat throws a grenade into every vulnerability that already exists." Globally, disadvantaged and marginalized groups are often the first to feel the impacts of the climate crisis.
Key facts
- Europe is experiencing one of the most severe heatwaves on record.
- In the UK, 1,000 schools closed in June due to the heat.
- The heatwave combines high temperatures and humidity, making cities nearly uninhabitable.
- Low-income families and women are disproportionately affected.
- Asad Rehman of Friends of the Earth commented on the heat's impact on existing vulnerabilities.
- The heatwave is intensified by the climate crisis.
- Cities lack adaptation measures to cope with extreme heat.
- Marginalized groups globally are the first to suffer climate impacts.
Entities
Institutions
- Friends of the Earth
Locations
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- London