London is “unprepared” for the effects of climate change including flooding and extreme heat, a report has warned.
In its interim report, the London Climate Resilience Review argues that global warming presents a “lethal risk” to vulnerable communities in the capital without urgent action and investment.
A “step change” in adaptation planning is needed to ensure the capital can withstand intense and frequent heatwaves, intense rainfall and flash flooding, according to the review.
The report was commissioned by Mayor Sadiq Khan in response to the flash floods of 2021 and the extreme summer heatwave of 2022, when temperatures surpassed 40C in the capital. It gathered evidence from a wide range of organisations including the NHS, Transport for London, London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police and borough councils.
London is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and action is needed to strengthen the Thames’ defence system, the review warns.
Lack of water supply due to drought will also cost London’s economy an estimated £500m a day.
The capital will also be at heightened risk of wildfires, similar to those seen in Wennington in 2022 during the heatwave.
To mitigate the impact of climate change, the review recommends that London conduct a multi-agency exercise to test the city’s preparedness for a period of extreme heat.
It also urges Whitehall to give councils more funding and powers to adapt their communities for climate change, instead of making local authorities “compete for limited central money”.
Improvements to housing standards are also needed to ensure that homes are resilient against heat and flooding, according to the review.
Emma Howard Boyd CBE, Chair of the Review, said: “London has many good plans and programmes to prepare for climate hazards but we need to recognise that Londoners now face lethal risks, and a step change is needed.
“Last year was the hottest on record and this is causing chaos and disruption all over the world. London is not immune, as shown by the flash floods in 2021 and a 40-degree heatwave in 2022.
“In the absence of national leadership, regional government has a more significant role to play. We need pace not perfection. It’s time for the UK, led by its cities and regions, to take action and prioritise adaptation. That is an opportunity to make the UK economy more climate resilient, to protect the most vulnerable, to preserve all that we love about London and to show leadership to other cities nationally and globally.”
Mr Khan said: “Work led by City Hall and London Boroughs has long been underway to prepare the capital for the increasing frequency and intensity of climate risks, like flooding, heatwaves and drought. However, the harsh truth is that the increasing frequency and intensity of these events and a lack of action by the Government has left our city - and nation - vulnerable to extreme weather.
“I welcome these recommendations and have proposed in my latest Budget an additional £3 million to accelerate climate adaptation work in London.”
The review will release its full report later this year.
