London ‘underprepared’ for climate change: From flooding to extreme heat - dangers for the city

London is “underprepared” for climate change impacts like flooding and extreme heat, a report has warned.

The London Climate Resilience Review's interim report found that a “step change” in adaptation planning and investment is needed to allow the capital to withstand the disastrous effects of climate change.

These include more intense and frequent heat waves, more intense rainfall, flash flooding and a rising sea level.

The report also found that climate change presents a “lethal risk” to Londoners with some communities more vulnerable than others, including low-income households, the elderly, minority communities, children and youth and vulnerable health groups.

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.

In London the extreme flooding of July 2021 damaged homes and properties, costing local authorities tens of millions, with aggregate insured losses estimated to be over £100 million, displacing residents and disrupted critical services to vulnerable Londoners. 

In 2022, 3,271 heat related deaths were recorded in England and 387 in London.

What are London’s main climate risks?

• Rising sea levels and the need to strengthen the Thames’ defences.
• Surface water flooding, as seen in the past few weeks alone.
• Heat, with London having already hit 40°C for the first time in 2022.
• Drought – if no action is taken by 2050, the UK’s national water supply will face a shortfall of nearly 4 billion litres a day. Lack of water supply will cost London’s economy an estimated £500m a day.
• Wildfires, such as those seen in Wennington in 2022.

London Climate Resilience Review

Review chair Emma Howard Boyd has called for a "step change" in action.

“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," she said.

“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.”

The report recommended that London conducts a multi-agency exercise to test the city’s preparedness for a period of extreme heat.

It says improvements to housing standards are needed to ensure that homes are resilient against heat and flooding.

It also calls on the government to give councils more funding and powers to adapt their communities for climate change.

And in London, it said urgent action is needed to prevent major flood damage, including planning for where flood defences need to be placed before 2050 and installing sustainable drainage systems.

Mr Khan said: “Work led by City Hall and London Boroughs has long been under way 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.