Climate-related deaths stats published

The Office for National of Statistics has today published new data which reveals the number of heat and cold-temperature related deaths across England and Wales that occurred between 1988 and 2025. Responding for Friends of the Earth, head of science, policy and research Mike Childs, said:

“This data is a stark reminder that cold weather remains a killer in the UK despite our warming climate. That’s because far too many homes are poorly insulated, meaning they’re expensive to heat – and prohibitively so for far too many. Many of these deaths can be avoided with action to upgrade the nation’s homes. That’s why the government must accelerate and increase spending on its Warm Homes programme, targeted in the areas that need it most.

“Homes without decent insulation are also more susceptible to over-heating when the mercury climbs. As the ONS has warned, we’re going to see the number of heat-related deaths increasing as the planet warms. We’re on course for the highest number ever following this year’s searing heatwaves.

“We’ve known for decades the fossil fuel industry is driving global heating. Far from giving the green light to more oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, the government should be making the companies getting rich amid mounting death and destruction pay for the measures we need to protect people from worsening climate extremes. Anything less would see the PM turning his back on the very people he's sworn to stand up for."

ENDS