Towards a Heat-Resilient London

The heatwave that swept across London was a reminder that hotter summers are becoming part of everyday life. For CRP partners, this matters because extreme heat affects many of the issues we work on every day, from public health and local economies to transport, public spaces and community wellbeing. During London Climate Action Week, we attended the Smart Cities World Summit which included two sessions: Adapting to Heat as the New UK Norm and Community-Centred Resilience: Protecting Vulnerable Populations. The key takeaway was that many of the measures needed to help London adapt are already familiar: greener streets, better public spaces, more shade and neighbourhoods designed around people’s everyday needs. 

The discussions coincided with the launch of Heat Ready London, the Mayor’s first city-wide vision for adapting to rising temperatures. Developed in response to growing heat risks across the capital, the plan calls for action across the built environment, health and care, infrastructure, green space, emergency planning and the economy. It also highlights the importance of partnership working, recognising that no single organisation can tackle the challenge alone. 

For CRP stakeholders, much of this agenda will feel familiar. Heat Ready London identifies measures such as increasing urban greening, expanding access to shade and cooling spaces, improving public realm design and supporting more resilient local communities. These ambitions align closely with work already being delivered by CRP and its partners through programmes that improve walking and cycling environments, support greener streets, enhance public spaces and encourage healthier travel choices. 

Perhaps the most encouraging message from both the summit and Heat Ready London is that adapting to a warmer climate does not require an entirely new playbook. Projects that improve walking and cycling routes, increase greenery, create more welcoming public spaces and support healthier local environments can also help communities cope with hotter weather. As London prepares for warmer summers, continued collaboration between boroughs, businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders will be essential to creating places that are not only fairer, greener and safer, but also better prepared for the future. 

Explore the full Heat Ready London plan here: Heat Ready London | London City Hall