This post is an abridged version of an article initially published by the University of Nottingham Shaping Sustainable Futures Hub. It provides a concise summary of our research on the impact of the record-breaking UK summer heatwave in July 2022 on the mental health and wellbeing of Nottingham's residents. You can access a comprehensive report of the research findings here.
In the summer of 2022, a severe heatwave occurred in the UK where temperatures soared up to 40°C for the first time in recorded history. The heatwave prompted the declaration of a national emergency in England and demonstrates the growing risks posed by climate change.
The city of Nottingham was ranked 5th on a list of 156 local authorities in England needing to be prioritised for heatwave adaptation. An evaluation of factors including the demographic composition of the population (e.g., proportion of elderly residents, toddlers, and those living with long-term conditions), average distance from healthcare facilities, and nature of the housing stock, revealed the city to be highly susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. Although the previous research was able to identify areas of Nottingham that are particularly at risk during hot periods, there was no record of how people living in these areas experience and respond to heatwaves. This means that there was limited behavioural insight that the local authority could draw on its efforts to promote resilience to heat among Nottingham communities.
To address this gap, we conducted a collaborative study with Nottingham City Council to understand Nottingham residents' experiences during the 2022 heatwave. The study involved an online survey of 500 residents and in-depth interviews with 45 diverse individuals, including healthcare professionals, social workers, and emergency responders.
Key Findings
The 2022 heatwave had significant physical, mental, and economic impacts on Nottingham residents:
Physical Health: 71% of survey participants reported issues such as difficulty sleeping, dehydration, headaches, dizziness, and sunburn.
Mental Health: Over half experienced anxiety, stress, or other mental health challenges.
Economic Impact: 31% lost earnings or were unable to work, with precarious workers on zero-hour contracts particularly affected by canceled shifts.
Health and social care professionals experienced a sharp rise in demand for their services, which was made even more challenging by the fact that many were working in environments with insufficient cooling while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that poorly suited to the hot weather.
Despite these challenges, Nottingham residents demonstrated resilience and community spirit. Many looked after vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and pets. While most people felt they coped reasonably well with the 2022 heatwave, many expressed concerns about their ability to manage if the extreme heat had persisted for a longer period. Notably, few recalled receiving official health advice during the heatwave; relying instead on social media, friends, and family for information.
Recommendations for Resilience
The study offers actionable recommendations to enhance Nottingham’s resilience to future heatwaves:
Foster Community Spirit: Encourage neighborly support during heatwaves, building on the existing sense of community.
Enhance Information Dissemination: Provide accessible, multilingual heat-related health advice through trusted community channels to reach vulnerable groups.
Utilize COVID-19 Adaptations: Retain flexible work practices, such as remote working and regular breaks, to help people cope with extreme heat.
Protect Economically Vulnerable Groups: Implement financial support mechanisms, such as paid time off for zero-hour workers affected by canceled shifts.
Centralize Support and Advice: Offer clear, actionable guidance on caring for oneself and others during extreme heat events, particularly for those most at risk.
Conclusion
This research highlights the diverse challenges and coping mechanisms of Nottingham residents during a period of extremely hot weather. By leveraging lived experiences and local behavioural insights, the city can implement tailored interventions to reduce the negative impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable communities while preparing for the increasing risks of climate change.
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