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

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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 prepare for climate hazards but we need to recognise that Londoners now face lethal risks,” the chair of the report, and former chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd stated in a press release.

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

“Things that we need to deal with in the future have suddenly become very, very real,” Ms Boyd instructed 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 climate disaster offered a menace to life among the many most weak communities in London, such because the aged, youngsters, low-income households, marginalised communities and weak well being teams.

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

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

“A city is only as good as its weakest link,” Ms Boyd stated.