upbeatBytes
The Guardian Environment

Air conditioning: the wealthy and well can afford it, but disabled people who need it most can't | Frances Ryan

In the UK, as more households install air conditioning to cope with rising temperatures, disabled and chronically ill individuals often lack access due to financial barriers. Many rely on low-cost fans or cannot afford even portable AC units, despite their greater need for cooling. This disparity highlights a growing gap in addressing health needs during heatwaves.

What happened

Disabled and chronically ill people in the UK often can't afford air conditioning, even as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.

Why it matters

Extreme heat poses serious health risks, and those who need cooling the most are often left without access to it due to financial barriers.

Why it belongs here

This story highlights an urgent inequality and calls attention to the need for more inclusive solutions to protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts.

climate solutionscommunitypublic health

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