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<p>Adapting to current and predicted changes to our climate is vital across the economy,
including preparing for extremes. There are a range of activities we are taking across
government to manage and prepare for the impacts of high temperatures, including in
the health and built environment sectors. These include adapting our health systems
to protect people against the impacts of overheating, such as ensuring all clinical
areas in NHS Trusts have appropriate thermal monitoring.</p><p> </p><p>The Heatwave
Plan for England aims to protect public health from heat-related harms and is supported
by the Heat-Health Alert Early Warning System. This is run by Public Health England
(PHE) in collaboration with the Met Office. These form part of the Heatwave and Summer
preparedness programme, led by PHE, which became operational on 1 June 2021. Heat-Health
Alerts are cascaded through the health and care system, including National Health
Service providers and commissioners, social care and local government.</p><p> </p><p>The
Extreme Heat National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) was also launched on
1 June 2021 to warn the public and emergency responders whenever a severe or prolonged
hot weather episode is forecast.</p><p> </p><p>Overheating in buildings has been highlighted
as a key risk for the health and productivity of people in the United Kingdom. Through
the Future Buildings Standard consultation, the Government, led by the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government, has proposed a new overheating mitigation
requirement to reduce the risk of overheating in new residential buildings. The Future
Buildings Standard consultation was launched on 19 January 2021 and closed on 13 April
2021. We plan to regulate later this year.</p><p> </p><p>Defra, its agencies and partners
are also preparing for the impacts of climate change on the natural environment, including
from high temperatures. For example, Natural England and the RSPB’s updated Adaptation
Manual (2020) addresses issues associated with high temperatures for freshwater species
and habitats, and the role of riparian trees in keeping rivers cool.</p>
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