13th February 2008
UK at risk from killer heatwaves
Global warming may lead to more frequent fatal heatwaves in the south east of England, a government report predicts.
By 2012 there is a one in 40 chance that the region will experience a severe heatwave causing more than 3,000 immediate deaths, the report says. A nine-day heatwave, with temperatures averaging 27C, could cause more than 6,000 heat-related deaths throughout the year.
The report published by the Department of Health also points to increases in food poisoning including salmonella, skin cancers and outbreaks of malaria.
Simon Briault, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, told More Than Business News that the report was a cause for concern.
"Small businesses have probably not thought through the impact of rising temperatures in Britain," he said. "Unlike big corporations, they tend to operate in a much more hand-to-mouth fashion with no formal business plans for 10 years down the line."
"But flexibility is the small business owner's main advantage," he continued. "A manager employing four or five people can respond quickly to events, including the weather."
Shopkeepers, he suggested, could change their opening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day - the operating retail model for much of southern Europe.
"Retailers and everyone else must take opportunities and adapt. Businesses which can't adapt will fall by the wayside."
By 2012 there is a one in 40 chance that the region will experience a severe heatwave causing more than 3,000 immediate deaths, the report says. A nine-day heatwave, with temperatures averaging 27C, could cause more than 6,000 heat-related deaths throughout the year.
The report published by the Department of Health also points to increases in food poisoning including salmonella, skin cancers and outbreaks of malaria.
Simon Briault, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, told More Than Business News that the report was a cause for concern.
"Small businesses have probably not thought through the impact of rising temperatures in Britain," he said. "Unlike big corporations, they tend to operate in a much more hand-to-mouth fashion with no formal business plans for 10 years down the line."
"But flexibility is the small business owner's main advantage," he continued. "A manager employing four or five people can respond quickly to events, including the weather."
Shopkeepers, he suggested, could change their opening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day - the operating retail model for much of southern Europe.
"Retailers and everyone else must take opportunities and adapt. Businesses which can't adapt will fall by the wayside."
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