York plans 'cool spaces' as climate change brings extreme heat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

York Council is drawing up plans for 'cool spaces' to shelter residents from extreme heat, which Cllr Jenny Kent, the council's Labour environment spokesperson, says will become essential as climate change accelerates. The plans follow the UK experiencing its hottest summer on record.

A new York and North Yorkshire Climate Change Adaptation Study estimates the cost of rising temperatures and extreme weather at £160m by the 2050s. Extreme heat alone is forecast to cost £35 million, as outdoor and temperature-sensitive work becomes impacted. Other significant costs are expected from increased farming expenses, flooding, and moorland and heather wildfires.

The study identified 113 potential risks facing the region, suggesting the overall financial impact could be considerably higher than the £160m estimate. Cllr Kent noted the study found only 21 effects deemed positive compared to more than 100 risks. She suggested warmer weather could eventually draw holiday visitors from Mediterranean destinations to North Yorkshire, though she acknowledged this would come at a wider cost to the region.

How it is being reported

• 'Cool spaces' to become 'essential' in York due to climate change - warningPlaces where people can shelter from extreme heat in York will soon become essential, a councillor has said.York Press · 17 Oct, 05:00
• 'Cool spaces' to become 'essential' in York due to climate change - warningPlaces where people can shelter from extreme heat in York will soon become essential, a councillor has said.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 17 Oct, 05:00

In this story: York Council · Cllr Jenny Kent · York · North Yorkshire

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