Impact of rising temperature on infrastructure

A WARNING on the impact of future heatwaves in Scotland has been issued by climate experts as temperatures are tipped to soar by 4C by summer 2050.

A new report by Climate Ready Clyde yesterday outlined the grim consequences of a predicted shift in average temperatures and the problems that could bring for public health and infrastructure.

Data from the University of Edinburgh shows the current 28C summer average is expected to rise to 32C by the 2050s and a potential of 34C by the 2070s.

The Mapping Future Heatwave study, based on the met office’s official UK climate projections, also shows increases in the BY SALLY HIND number of heatwave days per decade in the Glasgow area.

Heat impact is already being felt in Scotland with recent summer scorchers causing damage to buildings and travel disruption.

James Curran, chairman of Climate Ready Clyde, said: “Heatwaves can result in premature death and illnesses, particularly affecting older and younger people, and exacerbate existing illnesses such as cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases.

“It also shows that as well as compounding existing challenges such as flooding, climate change will bring us new hazards which we will need to address.

“Urban areas in the region may feel the heat most acutely. This is due to the urban heat island effect which leads to higher temperatures in densely populated urban areas.

“Glasgow city centre already has one of the most significant ‘urban heat island’ effects in the UK and this is something we must address to avoid problems as temperatures rise in the future.”

Climate Ready Clyde, managed by Scottish sustainability charity Sniffer, are to work with partners including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and local authorities to establish the adaptations needed to cope with future challenges.

Glasgow’s first adaptation strategy and action plan is currently progress.