London is ‘underprepared’ for the impact of climate change including flooding and extreme heat, a report commissioned by the Mayor of London has found.

The interim report by The London Climate Resilience Review found that that London’s infrastructure will continue to face significant risks from climate challenges including surface water flooding, heat, drought and wildfires.

The review was commissioned following the flash floods in 2021 and the 40C heatwave in 2022, that caused significant disruption to people’s livelihoods and record strain on the London Fire Brigade.

Review chairwoman Emma Howard Boyd CBE has urged Sadiq Khan not to wait for national government to act on climate protection but to show “exemplary urban climate resilience in London” to encourage other bodies into action.

The report made several recommendations and advised that Khan must lead collaborative work with local authorities, the private sector and others to set out a clear strategic vision for London’s plan to adapt to climate impacts by 2030 and beyond.

Boyd stated in the report that if these recommendations are followed: “London can be a global trailblazer in showing how adaption and resilience can deliver wellbeing, prosperity and support nature.”

The review gathered evidence from the public and organisations including charities, councils, the NHS, Transport for London, London Fire Brigade, the Met Police, the Greater London Authority, the government, the financial services sector and sports and cultural institutions to produce its findings.

The full report is due to be published later this year.

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