In this blog post, BACCC member Susannah Lynn shares an update on the impact of extreme heat and the efforts being made to support Bristol to adapt to, and prepare for, longer periods of extreme heat. Susannah works as a Research Consultant at Miller Research (UK) Ltd.
Those of us in Bristol and across the UK will have been experiencing (and enduring) some incredibly hot temperatures this summer. This year, Western Europe experienced its warmest June on record1, and a recent study conducted by the UK Met Office scientists warns that UK heatwaves could become even longer and hotter2.
The concerning reality is that this extreme heat is a direct risk to public health, with scientists stating the recent June heatwave caused an estimated 2,300 excess deaths across Europe3. Further research has shown a substantial association between elevated temperatures and adverse health outcomes, with just a 1°C temperature increase correlating with a rise in serious illness and mortality. 4 5
These statistics emphasise the urgency for adaptation strategies to reduce the mortality burden of the hotter summers to come. Although they require careful planning, adaptation measures are proven to be broadly effective, with a study showing that the similarly high 2023 death toll from heat could have been up to 80% higher in the absence of existing measures.6
The Climate Adaptation Research and Innovation Framework, published by parliament in April 2025, marks a new approach to addressing the UK priorities for research and innovation in this area, based on the third Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3). The framework crucially recognises that some are more at risk from both climate change and implemented adaptation measures than others: [‘Climate adaptation R&I needs to consider socio-economic vulnerabilities so that adaptation does not introduce or reinforce social inequalities.’] 7
The Bristol Advisory Committee for Climate Change (BACCC) are cognisant of this pressing issue and is making efforts in the adaptation and climate resilience space.
In September 2024, BACCC held a workshop to provide feedback on the draft of the co-developed West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) Climate Adaptation Report. This report is part of the UK Government’s fourth Adaptation Reporting Power, known as ARP4. Under the Climate Change Act 2008, organisations must explain the climate risks they face, the actions they are taking to adapt, and how much progress they have made. The information gathered through ARP4 helps build a clearer picture of the challenges, and supports stronger action to prepare the UK for a changing climate. After the initial workshop, the work was continued by a task and finish group of BACCC members to provide a further comprehensive review of the full ARP4 draft with WECA colleagues. The West of England Report recognised the climate adaption challenges that the region faces including rising and record breaking heat events, flood risks, local vulnerabilities and the impact on public health and infrastructures while also calling for greater investment, national support and the step change needed to ensure adaption activities are resourced in line with accelerating risks. This work is vital for accountability and preparing Bristol and its residents for extreme weather associated with Climate Change.
To read more on the work BACCC have done in the adaptation space, and to find further information and resources on extreme heat in Bristol, read our blog: Baking in the City.
If you require information on how to cool your home during periods of extreme heat, you can access the Overheating Adaptation Guide for Homes, commissioned by the British Red Cross.
For businesses looking to prepare for heatwaves, visit the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership website.
Bristol Advisory Committee on Climate Change 