Heat affects us differently
For many of us, heatwaves mean longer evenings, picnics in the park and enjoying the sunshine. But as temperatures continue to rise, not everyone experiences a heatwave in the same way. Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, it is a public health issue. Increasingly, where we live, our income, our health and the quality of our housing determine how safely we can cope with extreme heat. Some residents across North Paddington shared with me how this year’s heatwave affected their lives. One working parent described struggling to balance work and childcare when schools were unable to provide full days during the week commencing 22nd June because classrooms became too hot. They also explaine d that “the prices of fans and cooling systems shot up,” making even basic ways of keeping cool unaffordable for many families. A 76-year-old resident living in a basement flat described having “very limited access to opening windows and getting fresh air,” leaving heat trapped indoors and affecting sleep and wellbeing. Meanwhile, a family of five living in a one-bedroom flat on the Warwick Estate explained how overcrowding, poor ventilation and asthma made the hot weather especially difficult. The air felt “heavy and stuffy”, and the heat was particularly challenging for their asthmatic three-year-old child.
Why does this matter?
These stories highlight the social determinants of health, the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work and age that influence our health and wellbeing. Housing quality, income, employment, existing health conditions and access to green space all affect how well we can cope with extreme weather. As the climate changes, there is a real risk that existing health inequalities will widen, with those who have the fewest resources facing the greatest risks.
According to The British Medical Journal (The BMJ), around 20% of UK homes already experience overheating, while more than 80% of the homes we will use in 2050 have already been built, making it essential to adapt existing homes for a warmer climate. The BMJ also reports that 1,504 people died from heat-related causes during the summer of 2025, and without action this could rise to between 3,000 and 10,000 deaths every year by 2050. Older adults, young children, people with long-term health conditions and those living in deprived communities remain among those most vulnerable.
Building resilience together
Our community has shown remarkable resilience. Residents described making the most of gardens, shaded areas of Westbourne Green Open Space, Queens Park Gardens and finding innovative ways to keep cool. However, resilience is not experienced equally. A family with a cool home, a garden and flexible working arrangements will experience a heatwave very differently from someone living in overcrowded accommodation or a poorly ventilated flat. Building resilience means tackling the inequalities that leave some residents more exposed than others. According to The BMJ, increasing urban tree cover can reduce night-time temperatures by around 5°C, helping create healthier neighbourhoods. If the government continues to invest, and significantly increases long-term investment, in healthier homes, greener neighbourhoods and climate-resilient communities, we can future-proof North Paddington and ensure that everyone, not just those with the greatest resources, has an equal opportunity to stay safe, healthy and well during future heatwaves.
Simple Way’s to Keep Cool This Summer
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends:
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen if you’re outdoors.
- Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds during the day and opening windows when it’s cooler outside.
- Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Reduce the use of ovens and other heat-generating appliances.
- Spend time in cooler places such as parks, libraries or community centres where possible.
- Check on older neighbours, friends, relatives and anyone with a long-term health condition.
Free Summer Cooling Bags
Paddington Development Trust (PDT) is giving away free Summer Cooling Bags while stocks last. Pop into the Beethoven Centre, or contact Zoe on +447849 266791 for more information.
Sources: This article draws on the lived experiences of North Paddington residents and evidence published in The BMJ on climate change, housing and health inequalities, together with hot weather guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
References
Braithwaite, I., Adamson, J. and Petrou, G. (2023) ‘Housing and climate: UK homes need urgent adaptation to protect our health’, BMJ, 383, p2235. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p2235
Mahase, E. (2026) ‘Climate change: UK hospitals urgently need cooling systems as deaths and admissions are set to rise, government-backed report warns’, BMJ, 393, e139955. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2026-139955
Nisa, H. and Mahase, E. (2025) ‘Boiling homes, blistering hospitals, a potential mental health crisis-UK is failing to prepare for climate emergency, expert warns’, BMJ, 391, r2296. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.r2296
UK Health Security Agency (2026) How to keep cool and stay well during hot weather. UKHSA Blog. Available at: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/23/how-to-keep-cool-and-stay-well-during-hot-weather/ (Accessed: 30 June 2026).
Climate Champion Maria Eubanas
