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Climate Change and Children – Interview with Chris Beales (RCCP Chair)

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This is the forth in the series of interviews that I had with the wonderful Ayo Sokale. In this, Ayo asks me about  ‘Climate Change and Children’.  My son was born close to time I started my role as Chair of the RCCP so this is very real for me. It is so important that we create a good future for him, and all of our children. We need to push hard, believe and make it happen…and there is no more time to wait.

  • Please do check out our new Adaptation Plan. Reading this, you’ll understand a lot about where I am coming from in the interview. It is important to appreciate the risks that we face…and to pick up on the some of the things we can do to get prepared for climate change.

All the best,

 

Chris

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Coping with hot weather

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Heatwaves happen and they can be particularly dangerous for more vulnerable members of our community. With climate change we expect heatwaves to become increasingly likely so we need to be ready for them.

Tips for coping in hot weather

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This advice is from the NHS website: heatwave how to cope in hot weather.

  • Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler. 
  • Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat. 
  • Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter). 
  • Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water. 
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol – water, lower-fat milks and tea and coffee are good options. You can also drink fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks, but they can be high in sugar. Limit fruit juice or smoothies to a combined total of 150ml a day, and choose diet or sugar-free soft drinks.
  • Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.  
  • Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need. 
  • Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
  • Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors. 
  • Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

Further information