Global heating

A June heatwave in the UK caused widespread sleep issues, with two-thirds of people struggling to sleep and 86% of homes deemed 'too hot'. The poll links the problem to the climate crisis and scientific findings on global heating's impact on sleep.

A new natural history GCSE in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will teach students to create wildflower-friendly gardens and examine human impacts on biodiversity. The course, delayed for years despite a prior curriculum, aims to address biodiversity loss and climate change through practical, classroom-based learning.

Rising heat in Saudi Arabia due to fossil fuel emissions is increasing dangerous temperatures during the Hajj pilgrimage, with 40C temperatures now occurring in May instead of just summer. A study warns that without reducing fossil fuels, the Hajj could face extreme heat year-round by the end of the century.

The UK is warned to prepare for global heating with urgent changes, including installing air conditioning in homes, care homes, and hospitals. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40C by 2050. The Climate Change Committee recommends widespread adaptations to survive predicted heat levels.

Climate breakdown has extended the pollen season in the UK and mainland Europe by one to two weeks since the 1990s due to global heating, causing increased suffering for millions. The study highlights this as a significant health impact alongside other climate-related issues like heatwaves and droughts.