British cities face growing extreme heat risks under new index, report finds

The short version

• An analysis of 71 cities across England, Scotland, and Wales found Portsmouth to be the most vulnerable to extreme heat now and in the future.[The Guardian]
• The heat vulnerability index projects that all 71 examined cities will reach high vulnerability by 2040, with nearly two-thirds reaching the most severe category by century's end.[The Guardian]
• Prior research commissioned by London's mayor calculated the economic toll of the capital's 2022 heatwaves at £1.5 billion.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Portsmouth is identified as the British city most vulnerable to extreme heat both currently and in long-term projections by Ordnance Survey, the Met Office, and 4 Earth Intelligence.[The Guardian]
• The research evaluated 71 cities established by royal charter across England, Scotland, and Wales, omitting Northern Ireland.[The Guardian]
• Projections indicate every one of the 71 studied cities will reach high heat vulnerability levels by 2040.[The Guardian]
• Nearly two-thirds of the evaluated cities are projected to reach the most severe vulnerability tier by the end of the century.[The Guardian]
• A study commissioned by London's mayor calculated the financial impact of the 2022 London heatwaves at £1.5 billion.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Cities in Great Britain most vulnerable to extreme heat revealedThe Guardian - World