The Met Office has given red weather warnings for the first time covering most of the United Kingdom. Temperatures of around 40C will be recorded on both Monday and Tuesday before falling on Wednesday.
Not since 1976 that we have seen such a heatwave. Emergency services and first responders will be on high alert. Employers will be expected to make alternative arrangements for most of the week. Some public services will be shut or have their working days shortened. People have been asked not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to conserve water supplies.
You would think that national emergency should be given the seriousness that it deserves, however, there were reports in the media that prime minister Boris Johnson missed the emergency COBRA meeting so he could attend pre-planned events at Chequers. On top of all that, the heatwave has been part of a major pattern. Throughout this year, many parts of the world has suffered from record-breaking temperatures, leading to wildfires.
To add insult to injury, greenhouse gas emissions have been on the increase mainly becuase of the continued use of fossil fuels, a situation made worse by many countries scrambling to secure alternative gas supplies over the current war in Ukraine. Despite repeated warnings by environmental campaigners, governments have repeatedly failed to deliver on their promises to tackle climate change. Put in the cost of living crisis, food shortages, supply chain issues, strikes and protests, this will lead to the perfect storm…it’s all connected.
The situation in the UK is very bad at the moment mainly because of the effects of our departure from the European Union. Here, and across the whole world, is going to get very bleak indeed.