Climate Change Committee report ‘A Well-Adapted UK’ said that by 2050, 92% of homes are likely to overheat, peak river flows will be up to 45% higher and water supply shortfalls could exceed five billion litres per day.
The Committee proposed investment of around £11 billion a year, split between public and private funding.  It said the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of acting now.
Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said:
“Our lives, our landscapes and our homes are under increasing pressure from the changing climate. But we are not powerless. In an increasingly unstable world, being well adapted to climate change is fundamental to securing our food, energy and economic security.  
“This report carries a message of hope. The solutions already exist, and proven technologies are available now to help the UK adapt effectively. With the right decisions and actions, we can protect the people and the places we love.
“We can protect patients and residents in overheated hospitals and care homes, children in nurseries and schools, and communities facing repeated flooding. We can support our farmers to maintain our food supplies. We can keep sports pitches usable, high streets open for business, and iconic British music festivals running safely.
“The public want to see change and the government now has an opportunity to step up and protect our way of life.”
[Hear directly from Professor Dame Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, who will give the 12th BIEE Future of Energy Lecture at The Royal Society on Thursday 4 June 2026. Book here ]

The industry responds:

Charles Wood, Deputy Director of Policy (Systems), EnergyUK:
“The energy sector has a long history of including climate adaptation measures when planning for new infrastructure and is constantly assessing risks for existing power stations and networks. Extreme weather events make it more important than ever to consistently assess ways to increase resilience across electricity generation and network infrastructure, avoiding the most disruption in the long-term.
“Today’s report underscores the importance of climate adaptation and resilience, highlighting the wide range of solutions that already exist to ensure the long-term resilience of the energy system and our homes and businesses. More than ever, the cost of inaction outweighs the cost of addressing climate change and its impacts on the UK.”

Tom Fewins, Head of External Affairs, Aldersgate Group:
“Today’s report identifies critical risks facing people, businesses and the UK’s economic security as climate risks intensify. Across the country, businesses are already confronting a future where buildings become too hot to work in, transport infrastructure is disrupted by flooding and supply chains are increasingly exposed to water stress.
“But as laid out by the CCC, these risks are manageable, and our response can also unlock major economic opportunities. The UK is well-placed to continue leading in climate adaptation, with strengths in engineering, life sciences and financial and professional services.
“Businesses are ready to play their part. This means providing the certainty businesses need, both in terms of policy and regulation, where they can see Government has a clear plan to make Britain fit for a climate changed future. From setting clear standards and using public procurement to targeting public investment and supporting businesses to innovate, there is so much that Government can – and must – do to support businesses in building a resilient and futureproof economy for us all.”

Charlotte Lee, CEO, Heat Pump Association UK:
“This report is a clear warning that the UK can no longer treat cooling as an afterthought. As we face more frequent and dangerous heatwaves, we must prepare our buildings- including homes, schools, offices and care settings for a future of more extreme temperatures. Heat pumps offer a practical long-term solution with many systems providing both efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer from the same technology. It is a timely reminder of the need to futureproof our buildings and energy systems now.
“Alongside accelerating the rollout of clean heating and cooling technologies, we should maximise the use of waste heat and invest in better insulation, shading and ventilation across homes and public buildings. By taking a whole-building approach, we can improve comfort, reduce pressure on the grid and better protect vulnerable people from the growing risks of extreme heat.”

Olivia Powis, CEO, CCSA:
“Today’s report is a stark reminder that climate change is already affecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the UK.
“The Climate Change Committee is right to call for urgent action to strengthen the UK’s resilience to extreme weather. Alongside adaptation measures, the UK must continue accelerating emissions reduction and investment in resilient low-carbon infrastructure.
“CCUS technologies are essential to achieving this. They enable industries to decarbonise while protecting jobs, supporting energy security and helping the UK reach net zero at pace.”

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, Prospect trade union:
“As the report sets out, funding decarbonisation is important but with some effects of climate change now baked in it is vital we also invest in adaptation and do so in a coordinated way.
“The focus on workers is welcome. Our resilience depends on protecting the people who deliver the goods and services upon which we all depend, and we look forward to working with the relevant bodies so we can get the regulation and guidance right.
“Regulation on its own is not enough though. The government must deliver a step-change in funding for the relevant bodies, such as the Health & Safety Executive, to ensure that new regulations can be effectively enforced and updated guidance properly adhered to.”