London has unveiled its first-ever heat plan as the capital endures record-breaking temperatures, with City Hall warning that around one million homes are at high risk of overheating.
The new strategy, named Heat Ready London, is already being implemented across the city to tackle the growing threat of extreme heat, which endangers lives and disrupts essential services.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: "Rising temperatures are no longer a future threat – they are becoming a growing reality for Londoners.
"It is affecting our communities, from homes and high streets to schools, hospitals and care services."
The plan, launched during London Climate Action Week, outlines how the city should adapt to a hotter future as heatwaves become more common and intense.
Urgent action for a changing climate
Recent data shows that London is more exposed to heat risk than any other UK city.
In May, the capital recorded a new all-time high temperature of 35.1C, and just two years ago, the 2022 heatwave saw temperatures exceed 40C for the first time in UK history.
Heatwaves place enormous strain on public services and critical infrastructure.
During the 2022 event, the London Fire Brigade experienced its busiest day since the Second World War, and the heatwave is estimated to have cost the city £1.5 billion through impacts on health, education, transport, and productivity.
According to the new report, an estimated one million homes in London are already at high risk of overheating.
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In addition, 1,361 schools, 60 hospitals, and 351 care homes are located in high-risk heat zones.
The report warns that London could experience two to three times as many heatwaves within the next 20 years.
Health impacts are already being felt, with nearly 4,000 additional hospital attendances during hot weather and an estimated 300 preventable deaths each year attributable to heat.
A coordinated, city-wide response
Heat Ready London sets out a comprehensive, city-wide vision to help all sectors prepare for and respond to rising temperatures.
It focuses on six key areas: built environment, business and economy, emergency preparedness, resilience and response, health and care, green space and nature, and infrastructure.
The plan identifies 37 priority areas of focus, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable residents, expanding access to cooling spaces, retrofitting high-risk homes, and strengthening critical infrastructure.
It also includes plans to increase tree cover and green spaces, offer safe access to waterways, and improve public health communications during heat events.
Mr Khan said: "That is why I am proud to unveil Heat Ready London, London’s first ever heat plan.
"This is a new vision that will help tackle the huge obstacles we face with rising temperatures.
"By working in partnership, we can ensure the benefits of climate action are shared by all Londoners and that those who are most vulnerable are protected as we build a greener and fairer London for everyone."
Transport for London (TfL) is already making changes to the capital’s transport network in response to heat risk.
Currently, more than 190 air-conditioned Tube trains—covering around 40 per cent of the network—are in service, alongside all Elizabeth line and London Overground trains.
Additional measures include station cooling and ventilation, water refill points at stations, and all new double-decker buses fitted with air cooling.
Social justice at the core
The Mayor’s Office emphasises that the heat threat is not just an environmental issue but one of social justice.
Those living in poorly insulated or designed homes, without access to outdoor space, or with certain health conditions are at greater risk during heatwaves.
Mr Khan said: "No single organisation can address the scale of the challenge alone, so this is a call to action to our partners to use this framework to drive collective delivery so we can protect lives and strengthen the resilience of our city."
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment, echoed this point.
He said: "This is a matter of social justice – because high temperatures do not affect everyone equally.
"People living in poorly designed homes, people without access to green space and people with underlying health issues are hit hardest."
Early actions and collaboration
Delivery of the Heat Ready London plan is already underway, with City Hall working alongside public agencies, businesses, and community organisations.
Earlier this month, a roundtable chaired by Mete Coban brought partners together to align priorities and identify areas for joint action.
Professor Emma Howard Boyd CBE, Chair of the National Heat Risk Commission, welcomed the plan.
She said: "Extreme heat is already one of the most significant and rapidly escalating risks facing London, and with the temperatures we have seen this week, the urgency to act could not be clearer.
"I welcome the Mayor's leadership in responding to it."
Emergency services are also strengthening their capabilities in response to the increased frequency and severity of heat events.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said heat risk is now a regular concern.
He said: "Extreme heat is no longer an occasional challenge, it’s becoming an increasingly regular risk for London, as demonstrated just this week.
"Responding to this challenge requires a joint effort from the public and organisations across London, including taking steps to in advance to prevent or minimise the harm and damage caused."
Lilli Matson, chief safety, health and environment officer at TfL, highlighted the transport sector’s vulnerability.
She said: "This report highlights the increasing risks that extreme heat poses across London, including to critical infrastructure such as transport."
Health professionals are also backing the plan.
Dr Tom Coffey OBE, Mayoral Health Adviser and London GP, said: "Heat is no longer a distant concern.
"It is now the greatest risk to health from climate-change in the UK, and we are already seeing its impact here in London, including record temperatures, early heat alerts and rising heat-related deaths."
Cllr Paul Osborn, the London Councils’ executive member for transport and environment, praised the city-wide approach.
He said: "Boroughs have a crucial role to play in protecting residents from extreme heat - keeping homes, buildings and streets cooler as temperatures rise, while making sure the most vulnerable Londoners are shielded from its worst effects.
"Heat Ready London marks a vital step in responding to the hotter summers we now face in London, and we will be actively working with the Greater London Authority and partners across the capital to turn that ambition into coordinated action that keeps our communities safe."
As London faces record temperatures, the urgency behind the city’s first heat plan grows clearer by the day.
Mr Khan and his team hope that Heat Ready London will not only protect lives but also position the capital as a national leader in climate resilience.
