A new study conducted by experts from the University of Oxford suggests that Brits may need to adjust their working hours to cope with rising temperatures caused by climate change. The study highlights that the UK, along with Switzerland and Norway, is one of the European countries that will have to adapt the most to combat sweltering heat.
The study proposes that the British working day could start at 6am and finish at 2pm, following the example of some workplaces in southern European countries like Spain. Additionally, the study suggests embracing a more casual dress code during hotter spells, similar to the practices in Japan, where suits and ties are replaced with cooler attire.
The research comes at a time when southern European countries are experiencing scorching heatwaves due to climate change. The study emphasizes the need for immediate and unprecedented interventions to prepare for a hotter world. The UK, in particular, is highlighted as a country that is unprepared for heat and could benefit from changes to workday habits.
The study, led by Dr. Nicole Miranda at the University of Oxford and published in the journal Nature Sustainability, attributes the lack of preparedness to historical building designs in these countries, which focus on retaining heat rather than allowing it to escape. The researchers believe that the UK, Switzerland, and Norway will require significant cooling interventions, such as window shutters, ventilation, fans, or air conditioning, to adapt to rising temperatures.
Dr. Miranda explains that the building designs in the northern hemisphere in Europe are not conducive to dealing with heatwaves, and retrofitting measures will be necessary to prevent overheating. Even small increases in temperatures can have a significant impact and make these countries more vulnerable to heat-related issues.
The study also suggests changes to working hours, especially for those who work outdoors or in poorly designed buildings that trap heat. The researchers argue that working until 2pm would be more beneficial than working until 5pm, as heat builds up during the day and becomes more unbearable the longer the sun is out.
According to study author Dr. Jesus Lizana, this shift in working hours is already common in parts of Spain, where outdoor workers, such as builders and agricultural workers, start early and finish by 2pm to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Shops are also closed during these hours to avoid the heat.
Changing working hours is just one cooling intervention suggested by the researchers. Other measures include improving ventilation, adding window shutters, and utilizing fans. However, it is important to note that air conditioning, while effective in cooling, is not sustainable and can contribute to further climate change if powered by fossil fuels.
The study warns of a vicious cycle where increased demand for cooling leads to the consumption of more fossil fuels, exacerbating the warming climate and creating an even greater need for cooling. Therefore, sustainable alternatives should be explored and implemented.
The researchers propose retrofitting buildings with measures such as ventilation that can be closed off during winter, installing shading covers like awnings, and planting trees near buildings to provide natural shade. Personal fans that cool specific areas and heat pumps that can provide both cooling in summer and heating in winter are also suggested for buildings where air conditioning is necessary.
The study emphasizes that the UK will need to make radical adaptations to cool down buildings as climate change continues to drive up temperatures. It points to the record-breaking heat experienced in recent years and highlights the need to prepare for rising temperatures rather than relying on air conditioning as a quick fix.
The researchers’ analysis used the concept of “cooling degree days” (CDDs) to measure the frequency and magnitude of temperature increases above a baseline of 18°C. The study found that Switzerland and the UK would experience a 30% increase in days with uncomfortably hot temperatures, while Norway would see a 28% increase. These estimates do not include extreme events like heatwaves, which would further exacerbate the problem.
The authors warn that no country is shielded from the impacts of climate change and that northern countries must also adapt. They stress the importance of prioritizing sustainable ways to keep people cool and address the growing demand for cooling.
The new findings have raised concerns among policymakers. Philip Dunne, the chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, describes the findings as alarming and urges everyone to reflect on the need for action in the face of rising temperatures. It is essential to address the lack of preparedness and take proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
