Improving London's resilience to climate change 'non negotiable', report warns

Review recommends preparing UK for risks such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, storms and sea level rise

A flooded section of road in London as torrential rain and thunderstorms hit England on August 17, 2022. Getty Images

Preparing London for climate change is "non-negotiable", a landmark review of the capital's resilience to its effects has warned.

The UK government and businesses have not adequately planned for the disruption to London caused when severe weather impacts “cascade” through critical systems such as health care, transport, energy and water, the report found.

The review, carried out by former Environment Agency chairwoman Emma Howard Boyd, said the new Labour government should embrace the chance for “a reset” on UK climate resilience against risks such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, storms, and sea level rises and subsidence.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan commissioned the review after parts of the city received more than twice the average July rainfall in 2021, and Londoners died in 2022’s 40ºC heatwave.

The review, published on Wednesday, found climate effects in London happen together, with the heatwave occurring at the same time as drought and wildfires, while periods of extreme heat are often followed by flash flooding.

During the 2022 heatwave, there was a 50 per cent increase in water use while reservoirs were at their lowest for 30 years and wildfires pushed the London Fire Brigade to its limits, it said.

London heatwaves - in pictures

London’s trees, and other green and blue spaces, were found to be under threat from heatwaves, wildfires and windstorms, weakening the capital’s resilience because trees reduce street temperature and decrease flood risk.

The paper said the UK’s ageing population, and particularly people over 65 in care homes, are at the highest risk of heat-related death.

It found that about 43 per cent of London properties are likely to be affected by subsidence by 2030, while initial analysis suggests climate change could affect the city’s Gross Domestic Product by 2 to 3 per cent every year by the 2050s.

“We are entering a new era. In 2024, even as El Nino fades, we are set for another record-breaking year of deadly heatwaves, wildfires and storms," Ms Howard Boyd said.

“In the last year, floods in the UK have upended lives and battered local economies.

“The health and security of Londoners and the health of the national economy are inseparable.

“This is a reset moment for efforts to increase the UK’s stability in the face of global climate disruption.

“As the new government takes action to end the cost-of-living crisis, protecting the lives and livelihoods of working people from extreme weather is non-negotiable.”

Floods in the Holloway area of London - in pictures

In the report, Ms Howard Boyd detailed opportunities for investment and growth, but warned that time is running out.

Recommendations include an official heat plan for the city to help it better deal with severe floods and heatwaves, and producing a national wildfire strategy and action plan by 2025.

The government should also form a Strategic Surface Water Authority for London to promote, enforce and allocate funds in line with a strategic approach to flooding, the report recommended.

The review found that London and the whole of the south-east of England needs a new reservoir.

Elsewhere, the report outlined deadlines for upgrading flood defences upstream of the Thames Barrier by 2050, while downstream it is 2040 and a new barrier is needed by 2070.

It also said the government’s plans to build more homes and better infrastructure must include updating resilience and technical standards to cope with the new weather extremes.

“Climate change is one of the biggest dangers our capital faces, and its effects cannot be ignored," Mr Khan said.

“It is essential that we invest in key sectors and prepare our public services so that London can continue to grow and thrive in the face of climate change, and the review provides clarity and direction on how to do this.

“This is also an issue of social justice as the review makes clear it is Londoners on lower incomes that are most exposed to the impacts of dangerous climate change.”

Mr Khan said he accepts the recommendations made to the city, which will work with the government, local councils, businesses and communities to advance them over the coming months.

The review gathered evidence from people, communities and organisations including the National Health Service, Transport for London, London Fire Brigade, borough councils, the UK government, the financial services sector, sports and representatives of vulnerable groups.

“We welcome this review and understand the urgent need to prepare for and adapt to the changes posed by the climate emergency," a government representative said.

“We have a robust plan to improve resilience and preparation for the impacts of climate change across central government, local authorities, local communities and emergency services.

“The new government is committed to protecting communities in London and across the country from the dangers of flooding.

"That’s why this government will launch a Flood Resilience Taskforce to turbocharge the delivery of flood defences, drainage systems and natural flood management schemes.”