28 Jan 2026
Climate change is making flooding worse and the UK is seeing more extreme heat more often. Droughts and wildfires are also creating new challenges.
Nature is vital infrastructure for cooling our cities and reducing flooding. We need more trees, green space and peatland restoration.
Who's at greatest risk from extreme heat and flooding in the UK?
Older people, pregnant women, and babies are at greatest risk from extreme heat, as are people in care homes and hospitals.
Some neighbourhoods are more prone to over-heating than others. These areas typically have a higher proportion of people of colour and low-income households.
Disabled people, single pensioners and lone parents can face greater challenges escaping floods. Renters and low-income home-owners are less able to make their homes more resilient.
What can local authorities can do about flooding and heatwaves?
Local authorities don’t have a statutory duty to adapt to climate change but do have some responsibilities, for example for flood risk and emergency planning.
They can and should choose to prepare a climate adaptation strategy, including using nature-based solutions such as tree planting.
They should also ensure they're doing their fair share in cutting climate change-causing carbon emissions - many have set out strong commitments. These need to be maintained and/or strengthened and not be allowed to be weakened as a result of from some right-wing politicians.
What does the government need to do about flooding and droughts?
The government needs to invest more in flood defences and resilience against extreme heat and droughts, including supporting those most at risk to adapt (particularly care homes and hospitals). Natural solutions such as creating green spaces, planting trees and restoring habitats should be at the heart of a new National Adaptation Plan the government needs to develop.
Who pays for climate change?
Climate change is caused mostly by burning fossil fuels. The oil and gas companies have made massive profits from selling these. It’s time to make the polluters pay.
Watch out for climate disinformation
Some politicians say human-caused climate change isn’t happening. Scientists are clear climate change is happening, mainly due to human activity. We can see it with our own eyes. Some say flooding is getting worse because flood defences are falling apart. But 93% of flood defences are in good condition.
Your voice matters
During elections politicians make more of an effort to listen.
- Tell politicians you care about climate change.
- Tell them you want action to protect households, farmers and businesses from climate extremes.
- Ask them to sign-up to Friends of the Earth’s Charter for Climate Hope.
