Filtered by tag: public health × Clear
Heatwave Britain: why are politicians so slow to act? – podcast
The UK's repeated heatwaves are raising concerns about excess deaths, ageing infrastructure and food shortages, yet politicians have been slow to respond. Journalists examine how prepared Britain is for extreme heat now and in future. Also discussed: Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's handling of Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi who became a Conservative council candidate, whom she distanced herself from before offering an advisory role.
Decades of Using PFAS-Based Firefighting Foam Left Behind a Toxic Legacy
Military bases and airports across the US used PFAS-containing firefighting foam for decades, contaminating soil and groundwater and exposing nearby communities and service members to cancer-linked "forever chemicals." These persistent substances don't break down naturally. Cleanup efforts are now underway but remain costly and complex, with affected communities continuing to fight for remediation and accountability from the government and manufacturers responsible.
It’s getting hotter in classrooms and on playgrounds – schools aren’t ready to handle extreme temperatures
Schools increasingly starting in July or August face growing heat risks as climate change intensifies summers. Many school buildings lack air conditioning, and outdoor spaces offer little shade. Extreme heat harms children's health, attendance, and learning. Experts warn districts are underprepared, urging investments in cooling infrastructure, adjusted schedules, and heat action plans to protect students and staff.