The countries of Northern Europe are not ready for global temperature rise

According to a new report, Sweden, the UK and Norway will experience the largest relative increase in the number of days requiring cooling intervention if global warming exceeds 1.5ºC.

A report by researchers from Oxford's Martin Program on Future Cooling predicts the impact of rising temperatures on climate adaptation requirements for cooling in each country if climate targets are not met.

In Sweden and Great Britain, the number of days with noticeably high temperatures will increase by 30%, and in Norway by 28%. The researchers emphasize that this is a conservative estimate and does not take into account extreme events, such as heat waves, which add to the average temperature rise.

Eight of the 10 countries with the largest relative increase in noticeably hot days are expected to be in northern Europe, with Canada and New Zealand rounding out the list.

Researchers believe that these countries are "dangerously underprepared" for these changes. "Currently, for example, sustainable cooling is hardly mentioned in the British strategy for carbon neutrality," notes co-author Dr. Radhika Khosla, associate professor in the Smith School of Business and Environment and director of the Oxford Martin Program on Future Cooling.

"If we adapt the built environment we live in, we won't need to increase air conditioning. But now in countries like the UK, our buildings act like greenhouses - no external sun protection in buildings, windows are closed, no natural ventilation and no ceiling fans. Our buildings are prepared exclusively for the cold season," emphasizes co-author Dr. Jesus Lizana.

Co-author Dr. Nicole Miranda adds: “Northern European countries will need large-scale adaptation to heat resistance faster than other countries. Great Britain suffered massive devastation in the record heatwave of 2022. Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even death, especially in vulnerable populations. For the sake of health and the economy, we must prepare for new hot times."