London (CNN Business) Millions of people across Europe may not be able to afford to heat their homes this winter as gas and electricity prices soar. Experts, anti-poverty organizations and environmental campaigners are warning that the coronavirus pandemic and rising prices have intensified a longstanding problem tied to a combination of high energy costs, low household incomes and homes that aren't energy efficient. Recent research led by Stefan Bouzarovski, professor at the University of Manchester and chair of energy poverty research network Engager, found that up to 80 million households across Europe were already struggling to keep their homes adequately warm before the pandemic. The European Union describes energy poverty as being unable to afford "proper indoor thermal comfort." Only four European countries — France, Ireland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom — have official definitions, but experts say the problem is widespread.

Source: CNN September 30, 2021 12:33 UTC