London underprepared for ‘lethal’ climate change risks, report warns

Report says climate crisis presents a threat to life among most vulnerable communities in London

London is underprepared for the heatwaves, flooding and rising sea levels it is forecast to experience in coming years, a report commissioned by mayor Sadiq Khan said on Wednesday.

The report, which was ordered after soaring temperatures, wildfires and floods all hit the capital in recent years, said a “step change” in planning and investment was needed.

“London has many good plans and programmes to prepare for climate hazards but we need to recognise that Londoners now face lethal risks,” the chair of the report, and former chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd said in a statement.

Ms Boyd said that while there had been a strong focus on reducing emissions, Britain also needed to prepare and adapt its critical national infrastructure.

“Things that we need to deal with in the future have suddenly become very, very real,” Ms Boyd told Reuters.

In summer 2022, Britain recorded its hottest day ever during a heatwave that fuelled fires across London’s outer areas, shut down key transport services, and led to the country declaring a national emergency.

The report said climate crisis presented a threat to life among the most vulnerable communities in London, such as the elderly, children, low-income families, marginalised communities and vulnerable health groups.

London has many good plans and programmes to prepare for climate hazards but we need to recognise that Londoners now face lethal risks.

Emma Howard Boyd, former chair of the Environment Agency

The report’s recommendations included strengthening flood defences along the River Thames and improving housing standards.

Mr Khan said he would later this year follow the report’s advice to undertake a multi-agency exercise to test the capital’s preparedness for severe heat.

“A city is only as good as its weakest link,” Ms Boyd said.