London and other cities across the UK are underprepared for the “disastrous consequences” of climate change, according to a new report.
The London Climate Resilience Review, commissioned by mayor of London Sadiq Khan and chaired by Emma Howard Boyd, former chair of the Environment Agency, said the cities face catastrophic damage from severe flooding and extreme heat.
“We need to recognise that Londoners now face lethal risks, and a step change is needed,” said Boyd. “In the absence of national leadership, regional government has a more significant role to play. We need pace, not perfection.”
The warnings came as MPs on the cross-party public accounts committee warned that the risk of flooding had increased across the country, with 5.7m properties in England and Wales at risk in 2022/23.
