The United Kingdom has experienced severe climate-related challenges during the summer, including record-breaking temperatures, wildfires, water restrictions, and increased heat-related health impacts. A policy proposal outlines ten measures the government should consider implementing to address both immediate climate adaptation needs and long-term emissions reduction goals.
The recommendations focus on energy and emissions policy, including rejecting new oil and gas drilling licenses for the Jackdaw and Rosebank North Sea fields and increasing windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies to fund adaptation measures. Proponents argue that new drilling would provide minimal employment or energy security benefits compared to renewable energy expansion, while major oil companies reported substantial profits despite ongoing climate impacts and rising consumer costs.
Water security features prominently in the proposals, with suggestions to mandate grey water recycling in new construction and implement rainwater harvesting incentives to address predicted water shortages. The plan also calls for bringing the privatized water industry under public control, citing concerns about sewage pollution, aging infrastructure, and insufficient investment in climate resilience measures like reservoir construction and pipe maintenance.
Additional priorities include equipping fire brigades with specialized water-bombing aircraft to combat larger wildfires, implementing maximum workplace temperature regulations to protect worker safety during extreme heat, and funding climate-controlled community spaces as cooling centers during heatwaves. The proposals reference international examples, such as Barcelona’s network of climate shelters and Spain’s aerial firefighting capabilities, alongside recommendations from advisory bodies including the Climate Change Committee and the Trades Union Congress.
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