What UK heatwaves can teach us about the future of work

Published on 30 Jun 2026

3:11 min estimated read time

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by Simon Clark

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing

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The UK is hot. Uncomfortably, unusually and, for some people, dangerously hot.

As extreme weather becomes more common, careers at the intersection of health and the environment are becoming increasingly important.

Heat is more than just uncomfortable

Heatwaves put real pressure on people and public services. High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and serious health complications, particularly for older people, young children and those with existing health conditions.

During the summer of 2022, when UK temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time, more than 2,500 excess deaths were recorded during periods of extreme heat. Events like these show why heatwaves should be seen as more than unusual weather. They are public health events that require planning, research and long-term action.

What is planetary health?

Planetary health is the idea that human health and the health of the environment are closely connected.

When rising temperatures worsen air pollution, more people experience respiratory illness. When prolonged heat hardens the ground before heavy rainfall, communities become more vulnerable to flooding and its long-term health impacts. As green spaces disappear from urban areas, neighbourhoods lose natural cooling, making heatwaves even more intense.

These aren't distant possibilities. They're happening now, and understanding them requires experts who can connect environmental science, sustainability and public health.

Why some communities are affected more than others

Heat doesn't affect everyone equally.

Cities tend to be hotter than rural areas because buildings, roads and concrete absorb and retain heat. Communities with fewer trees and green spaces often experience higher temperatures, while people living in poor-quality housing may have little protection from extreme heat.

In East London, where the University of East London is based, many neighbourhoods experience these challenges firsthand. Understanding why these inequalities exist – and how they can be addressed – is becoming an increasingly important part of environmental and public health work.

A growing career opportunity

Responding to climate change isn't just creating environmental challenges. It's creating careers.

Organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors need people who can understand environmental data, assess health risks and develop practical solutions.

Graduates in this field go on to roles such as environmental consultants, sustainability managers, environmental health analysts and policy officers. They help organisations reduce environmental impacts, improve public health and shape policies that make communities more resilient.

As governments, businesses and local authorities work towards sustainability and net zero goals, demand for professionals with these skills continues to grow.

Learning through real-world challenges at UEL

UEL's MSc in Environment, Sustainability, and Global Health is designed around the kinds of issues highlighted by today's heatwaves.

Rather than focusing only on theory, students explore real environmental and public health challenges through problem-based learning. This could include analysing environmental data, investigating the health impacts of pollution or developing evidence-based responses to environmental risks.

Students can tailor their studies to their interests through optional modules in areas such as environmental epidemiology, environmental economics and policy, or global health.

The course is also closely linked to UEL's Sustainability Research Institute, giving students opportunities to learn within an active research environment. For those looking to gain practical experience, placement opportunities are available, including an optional industry placement year.

Looking ahead

This heatwave will eventually end. But the issues behind it won't.

Climate change, environmental inequality and their impact on human health will continue to shape communities, public policy and the world of work for years to come.

The professionals tackling these challenges aren't all in post yet. Some are deciding what to study next. Others are considering a career change or looking to develop specialist skills in a growing field.

For anyone interested in making a difference at the intersection of sustainability and public health, there's never been a more relevant time to build those skills.

Find out more about UEL's MSc in Environment, Sustainability, and Global Health and explore how it could support your career.