For so long, climate change has been pushed aside as a problem for future generations, not those of us already living on the planet. It is similar to NIMBYism, where everyone recognises that climate change is a problem but sees it as something far away and disconnected from them. That was until human lives started to be taken by the increasingly extreme heat across all corners of the planet.
But what is a heatwave? Heatwaves are determined when a temperature higher than what is deemed to be a normal temperature for that time of year is recorded for three or more days in a row (6). Sometimes this can be celebrated, especially in the UK, where sunshine and heat were once considered a rarity. However, this extreme heat is becoming more and more common as climate change continues to intensify.
In 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency, over 1300 people were listed as having a “heat-associated death” from the four heatwaves that ensued (4). So, what do we expect to see with 2025 being even hotter than 2024? June 2025 in the UK was the hottest since records began in 1884, that is, the hottest in over 140 years (3). People have been dying across Europe as the heatwave descended on the continent, with particular focus being drawn to labourers and workers in these extreme conditions (1). The human world does not stop for extreme heat as a result of climate change; sadly, it just ignores the life-threatening impacts and keeps on going.
An advisory for the minimum working temperature of 16 degrees Celsius (13 degrees Celsius for physical work) was specified in the UK in 1992 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (2). Yet, there is no maximum temperature advisory for workers in the UK, only advice for colder weather. Furthermore, there are no laws in place for employers to follow in keeping their workers safe in extreme temperatures, only advisories that they should provide “comfortable” working temperature conditions (2). So, how long must the UK policymakers and employers wait before taking action? According to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (5), it is estimated that 570 lives were lost in England and Wales during the first June heatwave (19th to 22nd June) due to high temperatures. We have just come to the end of the second heatwave of 2025 for the UK (3). Are we going to wait for the next one to see how many more lives will be taken?
If a law-enforcing policy on maximum working temperatures were to be implemented for all employers, not only would this protect the workers’ health (1), but it could also incentivise large companies and employers to support action to combat the climate emergency. If business productivity and income levels were to be impacted due to staff having to take more time off, perhaps more funding, research, and support could be focused on slowing down and preventing global warming to combat this impact on businesses. By reducing the hours their workers can operate in, productivity will be impacted and therefore income and turnover. Climate action would not just be a moral issue anymore for these organisations; it would be seen as a financial issue that needs investment to fix.
Focusing on worker health in extreme heat would not only support UNSDG13 (Climate Action), but would also promote better health (UNSDG3), and UNSDG8 (7). Sustainable action is both human and planet-focused. Heat waves are perfect examples of what can happen when these elements are ignored. Action is needed now.
This article was inspired by the impacts of the European Heatwave of June 2025. People were dying across Europe, and the hottest UK temperatures since records began were experienced, yet no policy changes were implemented to protect human life. We are going to explore how policy for working temperatures could impact not only human life but also attitudes towards climate change action.
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Environment Spokesperson
Sophie works in fundraising for healthcare research and support at Breast Cancer Now. Sophie previously worked as a Programme Coordinator at Think Pacific and holds a Geography degree from Swansea University. She was also the Co-Founder of the International Action Group, a global educational initiative to elevate and empower young change-makers.
Head of Publications
Kitty is a University of Oxford English graduate with professional experience at Rogue Films and Southwark Council. She is also the former Representative for Women at Oxford University and a volunteer with Make Votes Matter.
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