Published On: Mon, Sep 18th, 2023
World | 3,735 views

London tipped to sizzle in scorching 45C weather in the future, Sadiq Khan warns | UK | News


London mayor Sadiq Khan warned that London could face 45C weather in the future at a climate summit.

Speaking in New York City, Mr Khan said London faces the “incredibly worrying” prospect of experiencing multiple 45C days in the years to come.

Mr Khan said the temperatures could rise so high that they put major parts of the city, including the Underground, under threat.

He said the Underground was “not fit for purpose” and some homes “are too hot in the daytime”.

Mr Khan’s comments come after a summer of extreme weather events around the world, including an autumnal heatwave in the UK which saw temperatures rise above 30C.

Mr Khan said: “It means we have to adapt for those temperatures now. It’s now time for those who are delaying action to wake up and smell the coffee because this is happening now. It’s now and it’s happening to us.”

Mr Khan added that while he had planted more trees and put air conditioning on buses, more work was needed by the Government to help the UK’s cities adapt to a warmer future.

He said: “We are learning expertise from other cities but we can’t pretend we aren’t behind because the UK has been slow catching up.”

Mr Khan criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for not visiting the UN general assembly and said the possibility Mr Sunak may not attend Cop28 spoke volumes.

In response to the 40C week London experienced in 2022, the Guardian reported a review into the capital’s climate was launched in June.

According to the chair of the climate review, Emma Howard Boyd, London could experience 45C temperatures and an increased risk of flooding in the future.

Ms Howard Boyd warned: “45C is something we could see in the coming years.”

Ms Howard Boyd added: “Not many people really thought we’d experience 40C until we did last year, so we need this review to understand how we keep the city thriving in terms of people’s health and working environment even under these higher temperatures.

“Everything we’re hearing from scientists is that Europe is heating up quicker than anywhere else.”

Mr Khan has travelled to New York just a few weeks after the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) was expanded.

Speaking about the scheme and environmental policies, Mr Khan said it was important to try and encourage people to use alternatives to the car.

Mr Khan explained: “You’ve got to listen to genuine concerns people have and try to address them, at the same time be cognisant that there’s a vocal minority backed by vested interests that are opposing stuff.

“Cities have got to incentivise policies that encourage people to use alternatives to the car.

“I understand the reasons New York wants to do this, what they will need to do is make sure they have alternatives in place.”



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