Heatwave warning for classrooms ‘worrying’ as schools exceed permitted limits | UK | News

Campaigners are sounding the alarm over “worrying” temperatures in classrooms as climate change is blamed for an increase in heatwaves that could affect both pupils and teachers.

A recent study found that during the heatwave in late June, classroom temperatures exceeded the recommended limit of 26°C. The study, conducted by climate advocacy group Round Our Way, involved placing temperature sensors in seven schools in England, which recorded hourly temperatures over four weeks.

This monitoring period included the sweltering heatwave of late June, which prompted the UK Health Security Agency to issue a yellow health alert for much of England, with mercury levels reaching 30C, according to reports. the mirror.

The results showed that in six of the seven schools studied, temperatures exceeded the 26°C threshold suggested by the National Education Union. A staggering 29.6°C was recorded in a Cambridgeshire classroom at the end of the school day, while schools in West Sussex and Suffolk saw peak temperatures of 28.3°C and 28.2°C, respectively.

Roger Harding, director of Round Our Way, a charity that helps people affected by climate change in the UK, highlighted the concern: “This data reveals the worrying temperatures our children are starting to face in classrooms because of climate change.”

“We’ve heard from overworked teachers about children who have fainted or even thrown up this summer because of the extreme heat, and there are many more who simply have trouble concentrating.”

“The summer has been mild by recent standards, so it’s scary to imagine how much worse things will get when temperatures well above 30°C return.”

He warned that schools, like many buildings in the UK, were not designed and funded to cope with the higher temperatures seen as a result of climate change.

“Weather used to be just a topic of conversation, but now we need our political leaders to ensure the country is better prepared for more extreme weather and to tackle the fossil fuel pollution that causes it in the first place,” he said.

The announcement comes after Met Office analysis shows the UK is experiencing, on average, more frequent hot spells and an increase in extreme rainfall, posing challenges to infrastructure, health and wellbeing.