With London and the UK ‘underprepared’ for extreme weather and an absence of national leadership on climate, regional government must adapt at pace, a new report argues.

An interim report published today by the London Climate Resilience Review highlights the lethal risk of climate change facing Londoners, particularly low-income households, the elderly, minority communities, children and youth and vulnerable health groups.

The independent review, commissioned by the mayor of London, says a ‘step change’ in adaptation planning and investment is required if the capital is to withstand more intense and frequent heatwaves, more intense rainfall, flash flooding and sea level rise.

However, with councils that want to invest in long-term projects having to compete against neighbouring authorities for increasingly small pots of money, greater fiscal devolution and flexibility is needed to incentivise investment in local climate action, the report says.

It also recommends an exercise to test London’s preparedness for a period of extreme heat – which Mr Khan has confirmed will take place later in the year – as well as immediate action to prevent major flooding damage and improved housing standards to protect against extreme weather.

The chair of the review, Emma Howard Boyd, said: ‘London has many good plans and programmes to prepare for climate hazards but we need to recognise that Londoners now face lethal risks, and a step change is needed.

‘In the absence of national leadership, regional government has a more significant role to play. We need pace not perfection.

‘It’s time for the UK, led by its cities and regions, to take action and prioritise adaptation.’

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he would look at how the recommendations identified so far could be taken forward. A final report will be presented to the mayor later this year.

If this article was of interest, check out our feature Preparing for future floods