Climate Change in London: How the City is Adapting and What It Means for You

When we talk about climate change London, the long-term shift in weather patterns affecting the city’s temperature, rainfall, and air quality. Also known as urban climate crisis, it’s not a future problem—it’s here, and it’s changing how Londoners live, work, and move around every day. The city’s average summer temperature has climbed nearly 2°C since the 1960s. Heatwaves that used to happen once every 20 years now hit every 3–4 years. And it’s not just about discomfort—it’s about health, money, and survival.

One of the biggest impacts? The urban heat island, the effect where concrete, asphalt, and dense buildings trap heat, making central London up to 10°C hotter than surrounding countryside. This isn’t just a nuisance—it’s dangerous for older residents, people with chronic illnesses, and those without air conditioning. Meanwhile, London flood risk, the growing threat of rivers bursting and drainage systems failing during intense rainfall. The Thames Barrier, built in the 1980s to protect the city, now closes more than twice a year—up from just once every five years in the 1990s. That’s not a fluke. It’s a warning.

And it’s not just weather. Climate change is reshaping transport, housing, and even what you pay for groceries. The Tube gets slower in extreme heat because tracks buckle. Rent in flood-prone areas like Croydon or Lewisham is dropping as insurers pull out. And food prices? They’re rising because supply chains from Europe are disrupted by droughts and storms. London’s response? More green roofs, bike lanes, and tree planting—but it’s not enough. The city needs faster action, and you need to know how it affects you.

What you’ll find below aren’t just articles about weather. They’re real-life guides showing how climate change touches your daily routine—from the cost of your Oyster card when the Tube slows down, to where you can find affordable vegan meals that don’t cost the earth (literally), to how to spot the best accessible transport options when extreme weather hits. These aren’t abstract reports. They’re tools. For living in a city that’s changing faster than its maps can keep up.