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

Signal as much as the Unbiased Local weather e-mail for the newest recommendation on saving the planet

Get our free Local weather e-mail

London is underprepared for the heatwaves, flooding and rising sea ranges it’s forecast to expertise in coming years, a report commissioned by mayor Sadiq Khan stated on Wednesday.

The report, which was ordered after hovering temperatures, wildfires and floods all hit the capital lately, stated a “step change” in planning and funding was wanted.

“London has many good plans and programmes to arrange for local weather hazards however we have to recognise that Londoners now face deadly dangers,” the chair of the report, and former chair of the Surroundings Company, Emma Howard Boyd stated in a press release.

Ms Boyd stated that whereas there had been a powerful give attention to lowering emissions, Britain additionally wanted to arrange and adapt its vital nationwide infrastructure.

“Issues that we have to cope with sooner or later have immediately grow to be very, very actual,” Ms Boyd informed Reuters.

In summer season 2022, Britain recorded its hottest day ever throughout a heatwave that fuelled fires throughout London’s outer areas, shut down key transport companies, and led to the nation declaring a nationwide emergency.

The report stated local weather disaster offered a menace to life among the many most weak communities in London, such because the aged, kids, low-income households, marginalised communities and weak well being teams.

The report’s suggestions included strengthening flood defences alongside the River Thames and bettering housing requirements.

Mr Khan stated he would later this 12 months comply with the report’s recommendation to undertake a multi-agency train to check the capital’s preparedness for extreme warmth.

“A metropolis is simply nearly as good as its weakest hyperlink,” Ms Boyd stated.