My sustainable health

Climate change is happening now, and we need to take actions that reduce the impacts of climate change (mitigation) and help us to live with its effects (adaptation). The impacts from climate change that are most likely to be felt locally are in relation to more extreme weather, such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves.

You can take steps to adapt to periods of extreme heat and the associated air pollution. You can be informed about flooding, see our flooding pages.

Heatwaves

One of the biggest risks arising from heatwaves is to human health, especially to those who are elderly or vulnerable.

The NHS provides advice for Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather (NHS), which includes:

• Staying hydrated and ensuring others that are particularly at risk do so
• Stay indoors and close curtains
• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm if possible, and avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day

Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather (Gov.uk) also gives actions you can take to stay safe, who is most at risk, signs of heat exhaustion and how to cool down.

Heat waves can often result in poor air quality; for more information on atmospheric pollution, the pollution warning service and other related matters, check our air quality pages.

Building to avoid overheating

Our Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Supplementary Planning Document contains guidance on cooling in building design.