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UK Cities Face Extreme Heat Crisis
8 Sep
Summary
- Portsmouth is the most heat-vulnerable city in Britain today and future.
- By 2040, all 71 surveyed UK cities will reach high heat vulnerability.
- Milton Keynes copes best with heat, ranking 69th out of 71 cities.
Ordnance Survey's heat vulnerability index reveals which British cities are most susceptible to extreme heat as urban heat islands intensify. Portsmouth is currently the most vulnerable city and is projected to remain so until the end of the century. Analysis of 71 cities across Great Britain shows that by 2040, all will reach high heat vulnerability, with almost two-thirds facing severe impacts by 2100.
Cities with less green space and fewer waterways are most at risk. London's 2022 heatwaves incurred an economic cost of £1.5 billion. Conversely, Milton Keynes demonstrates strong resilience, ranking 69th out of 71 cities due to its extensive natural surfaces compared to hard-surfaced areas.
