Extreme Weather as a National Security Issue: London in the Focus of Climate Adaptation

The protection of London from extreme weather events is, according to an independent report, a matter of "national security." Floods, droughts, and wildfires threaten the economy and citizens of the British capital, the study states, emphasizing that preparation for more frequent and extreme climate risks is "non-negotiable." The London Climate Resilience Review, presented on Wednesday, predicts that global warming could reduce the city's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2-3 percent annually by mid-century. Emma Howard Boyd, the former chair of the Environment Agency and leader of the investigation, criticized the lack of coordinated preparation among government departments and highlighted the associated national security risks. Unfortunately, this is not new knowledge, and urgent action must now be taken, Boyd emphasized. If London appears incapable of coping with heatwaves and floods, it could severely undermine investor confidence in the national economy. Boyd advocated for integrating climate resilience into the Labour government's growth agenda, as adaptation is indispensable. Aside from more robust measures in the built environment, such as the protection of the River Thames, the government must understand the "costs of downtime." Currently, productivity losses due to heat and humidity in London amount to around £577 million per year. The investigation called for cooperation between local, regional, and national authorities to enable more investment in climate adaptation across the United Kingdom. The final report, commissioned by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, was based on two different model studies on the economic impact of climate change. One scenario projected a GDP decline of 2.8 percent for the years 2041-2060, which could rise to 6.3 percent by 2081-2100. Under a high-mitigation strategy, this decline could be reduced to about 2 percent. The report emphasized that buildings and infrastructure must be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The increased risk of drought and wildfires must also be considered. In Epping Forest alone, 76 fires were reported between June 26 and August 16, 2022, amid rising temperatures. Khan stated that climate change is "one of the greatest threats to our capital" and reminded how "extreme weather events can destroy communities, ruin businesses, and change lives." The report also warns that by 2030, about 43 percent of London's buildings could be affected by subsidence, which was highlighted in 2022 by record temperatures and a rise in insurance claims. Khan has set ambitious climate goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. Measures such as introducing electric buses, transitioning taxis away from diesel, tree planting, and funding low-emission neighborhoods are part of this strategy. Between 2000 and 2020, the city's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 45 percent. The government emphasized its commitment to protecting communities in London and across the country from flood risks. Therefore, a task force will be launched to accelerate the implementation of flood protection measures, drainage systems, and natural flood management schemes.