England Risks New 'Death Traps' as Experts Warn of Overheating Crisis

England is at risk of building a new generation of 'death trap' buildings that could fatally overheat unless the government tightens standards and prioritizes climate safeguards, planning experts have warned. Fears are growing about vulnerable people in heatwaves, with research showing 2,700 deaths in England and Wales during May and June heatwaves. However, only about half of local authority plans require new buildings to have cooling or ventilation strategies to prevent overheating, according to findings from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA).

'Death Traps' and Climate Risks

■2,700+ deaths reported in England and Wales during May-June heatwaves.

■Only half of local authority plans include overheating prevention strategies for new buildings.

■Experts urge the government to tighten standards and prioritize climate safeguards.

Investors and Climate Risks

■RTPI and TCPA findings highlight insufficient overheating prevention strategies in new buildings.

■Climate risks could prompt investors to reassess their portfolios.

■Long-term climate risks may force investors to adapt their strategies.

England's inadequate climate policies could force investors to reassess climate risks, potentially influencing market long-term climate risk assessments.