As western Europe bakes under a heat dome, reports of drownings and heat-linked deaths in France highlight the threat to life from extreme heat. The UK's red alert covering southern England and Wales is only the second such warning. With the June record of 35.6C expected to be broken, hundreds of schools are closed and Network Rail advises against non-essential travel. Since the UK is less used to intense heat than Mediterranean neighbours, it faces distinct challenges.
Adaptation Lagging Behind
Like emissions cuts, adaptation to the climate crisis is a global issue. Poorer countries, least responsible for greenhouse gases, face gravest threats. Their governments went home from last year's Cop30 negotiations angry about lack of funding. The UK's Climate Change Committee report on adaptation warned that plans in all four UK nations lag behind where they need to be to avoid damaging effects of a 2C rise by 2050 and possible 3-4C rise by century's end.
Recommendations for Action
The report, rooted in 'hope, not fear', includes recommendations for the first time. It proposes prioritising air conditioning in care homes, hospitals and schools, combined with solar panels to maximise energy efficiency. The committee stressed that all new infrastructure must withstand 3-4C of warming, despite UK's Paris agreement commitments. They called for changes to the food system, improved flood risk and water supply management, and nature restoration including tree-planting in cities.
Political Response Needed
After a muted initial response from ministers, this week's heat should focus minds. The UK's next national adaptation plan is due in two years. Candidates to replace Sir Keir Starmer must decide whether to accept the committee's proposal for around £11bn in annual spending, split between public and private sectors. With next year expected to be the hottest ever due to El Niño, a strong adaptation plan cannot wait.
