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London is “underprepared” for the impact of climate change, which could include severe flooding, extreme heat and wildfires, a report has found.
The London Climate Resilience Review – an independent report commissioned by mayor of London Sadiq Khan – found that climate change presents a “lethal risk” to the most vulnerable communities in the Capital.
After London faced flash floods in 2021 and a 40°C heatwave in 2022, Khan called for recommendations to improve London’s readiness for more extreme weather.
The extreme flooding in July 2021 damaged homes and properties, costing local authorities tens of millions, with aggregate insured losses estimated to be over £100m. Residents were also displaced from their homes and critical services to vulnerable Londoners were disrupted.
In 2022, there were 3,271 heat-related deaths in England and 387 in London. It is thought the extreme heatwaves, which caused widespread failure of green infrastructure including street trees, would not have happened without climate change.
The extreme heat also stretched water supplies, melted road surfaces and caused disruptions to rail infrastructure. Social care, education and healthcare also faced major disruptions across London.
The report calls for a “step change” in adaptation planning and investment including improvements to housing standards and infrastructure to prevent major flooding damage. It urges the development of an action plan for where flood defences need be raised before 2050, as well as the installation of sustainable drainage systems.
If no action is taken by 2050, the UK’s national water supply will face a shortfall of nearly 4 billion litres a day, which would cost London’s economy alone an estimated £500m a day, the report found.
Emma Howard Boyd CBE, chair of the review and former chair of the Environment Agency, 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.”
“I am really pleased that the mayor has agreed to support an exercise to prepare for even more severe heatwaves than we saw in 2022. This is a positive step that will help London organisations plan to protect more Londoners in future shocks.
“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.”
The report criticised “the lack of a clear strategic vision” from the government, which is hindering climate adaptation efforts at both a regional and local level. It also suggested that adapting London will benefit the UK as a whole, given the capital’s economic importance and the presence of critical national infrastructure, including transport hubs and key hospitals.
