The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

Heatwaves are becoming longer, frequent and intense due to climate change. The impacts of extreme heat are unevenly experienced; with older people and young children, those with pre-existing medical conditions and on low incomes significantly more vulnerable. Adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern. Research conducted among at-risk people in the UK reveals that even vulnerable people do not perceive themselves as at risk of extreme heat; therefore, early warnings of extreme heat events do not perform as intended. This suggests that understanding how extreme heat is narrated is very important. The news media play a central role in this process and can help warn people about the potential danger, as well as about impacts on infrastructure and society.

The passage discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change, with vulnerable groups experiencing uneven impacts. It emphasizes that adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern. The research findings suggest that even vulnerable individuals may not perceive themselves as at risk of extreme heat, highlighting the importance of understanding how extreme heat is narrated. The passage specifically mentions the central role of the news media in warning people about the potential danger of heatwaves and their impacts on infrastructure and society. Option C effectively conveys the primary focus on heatwaves posing a substantial risk and the critical role of the media in alerting the public to this danger.

Option A implies a general importance of protection without specifically highlighting the role of the media in alerting people to the risks of heatwaves.

Option B acknowledges the vulnerability to heatwaves but it does not emphasize the role of the media in alerting people and suggests a broader critique of measures taken.

Option D mentions the need for news stories to become more effective but does not emphasize the central role of the media in alerting people to the risk of heatwaves, as the passage does.