London not prepared for floods and droughts, new report finds

• London must prepare for severe floods and heatwaves
• The report showed investment opportunities in London
• Sadiq Khan welcomed the recommendations

London is currently not prepared for the effects of climate change and is in need of a ‘reset moment’ so that it can cope with rising temperatures, floods and droughts, according to The London Climate Resilience Review.

Commissioned by Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, the report’s gathered evidence from individuals, communities and businesses, as well as the representative of vulnerable groups. 

It warned that lawmakers need to make significant changes to protect London’s people, property, environment and GDP from extreme weather.

A particular threat is different weather extremes happening at the same time, such as heatwaves, droughts and floods, which will be more likely in the future. 

For instance, it said that the UK’s ageing population, particularly people over 65 in care homes, are at the highest risk of heat-related mortality, and almost half (43%) of London properties are likely to be affected by subsidence by 2030 at current rates.

Another risk is to London’s trees, and other green and blue spaces, which are under threat from heatwaves, wildfires and windstorms. This weakens London’s resilience as trees reduce street temperatures in heatwaves and decrease flood risk.

Additionally, initial analysis indicates climate change could impact London’s GDP by 2-3% every year by the 2050s, with costs increasing further in late century.

The report showed investment opportunities in London, but warned time was of the essence to act on climate resilience. 

Recommendations

The review said that when London hit 40C in July 2022, there was a 50% increase in water consumption, while reservoirs were at their lowest level for the first time in 30 years.

As a result, it recommended London have a heat plan created to help the city better handle severe floods and heatwaves. 

These including building a new reservoir for London and the south-east and a new Thames Barrier by 2070. It also called for the government  to include in its infrastructure upgrade plan new resilience and technical standards so that homes can cope with extreme weather.

It also said the government should produce a National Wildfire Strategy and Action Plan by the end of 2025. That strategy must reflect the increased risk of reduced water supply due to drought and therefore, consider non-water-based fire suppression methods

Emma Howard Boyd CBE, chairwoman of the review, told The BBC that preparing London for more frequent and extreme climate risks was needed. 

“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,” she said. 

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest dangers our capital faces, and its effects cannot be ignored.

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