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Most UK heatwave coverage failed to mention climate crisis, analysis finds

journalismJul 14, 2026571,737

An analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit found that about 72% of nearly 2,500 UK national newspaper articles about the June heatwave made no reference to the climate crisis. The study reviewed print and online output in nine national papers from 22 to 28 June, a period when temperatures topped 37C, a record for that time of year. Fewer than one in 20 heatwave stories mentioned the phrase "net zero." The Financial Times led the outlets studied, linking most of its 78 heat stories to the climate in 50 cases, and the Guardian linked climate in roughly half of its 131 pieces; the Independent ran the most heat stories at 783, of which 304 mentioned the climate. The Sun and the Mirror published many heatwave items but mentioned the climate in just 6% and 9% of them respectively. Research published by Imperial College London estimated about 2,700 deaths from overheating in the UK in May and June, and said roughly 1,100 of those deaths would not have occurred without the extra heat added by the climate crisis. Professor Ed Hawkins of the University of Reading said the public needs the media to explain that greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, have made these heatwaves hotter than they would otherwise have been.

Best for Britain
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When extreme heat means shut schools, dying plants and restless nights, Brits know climate change is to blame. So why is it that three quarters of media coverage of the June heatwave did not mention climate change?

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