What steps is the Welsh Government taking to implement heat action plans in light of the World Weather Attribution Report stating that the global extreme heat events are a result of climate change?
We recognise the increasing risks arising from the changing climate and the impacts that extreme heat events can have upon our health, communities, infrastructure and natural resources.
The Welsh Government has published ‘Heat Health Advice’ to support health and social care system partners to plan and prepare for hot weather scenarios, to prevent or reduce risks to health, as well as to enable a rapid and effective response when needed.
Public Health Wales published Climate Change in Wales: Health Impact Assessment last month. It provides robust evidence to inform public bodies, agencies and organisations in their preparations for, and responses to, climate change, including heat events. It will support the adoption of plans and policies that promote and protect health and wellbeing for everyone in Wales, including those population groups and geographical areas particularly at risk of negative impacts from extreme heat.
Our next national climate adaptation plan, which will be informed by the latest UK climate risk evidence from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), is due to be published in autumn 2024.