Readers respond to George Monbiot's article on heatwave denial
In response to George Monbiot's article highlighting rightwing denial of heatwave dangers, readers have called for government action and better public education. Emilie McRae from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, noted that while rightwing writers fondly recall the 1976 heatwave, data shows up to 26,364 deaths were recorded between 23 June and 8 July 1976 – 3,676 more than the previous five-year average for the same dates.
Health impacts of heatwaves
McRae emphasised that temperature extremes exacerbate chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular diseases, mental health, and diabetes-related conditions. Heat poses particular dangers to children, elderly people living alone, and pregnant women. She argued that climate change is no longer a future possibility but a current reality, with scientific evidence showing human activity like burning fossil fuels has made heatwaves more frequent and intense, necessitating better education and preparation for summer.
Media downplay and urgency
Adrian Phillips from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, agreed that parts of the media downplay heat stress effects on vulnerable people. He noted that acknowledging unprecedented heat means recognising the rapid pace of climate change and the urgency to act, which some newspapers avoid. Rosemary A Fletcher-Jones from New Milton, Hampshire, shared her personal experience of living 55 years in the California desert, where a 15-minute walk in 43°C heat left her feeling faint and requiring revival with fluids and wet compresses. She expressed sympathy for agricultural workers, gardeners, construction workers, and others required to work in temperatures above 30°C, and argued that neither they nor children and teachers should have to work in hot classrooms.
