On Tuesday, the UK record for the hottest winter day was recorded at Kew Gardens – at 21.2 degrees.
However, the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) climate change expert is concerned over the affect warm Winter weather will have on the capital’s infrastructure.
The London Climate Change Partnership
The London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP), which works as part of the GLA, say that London’s transport, healthcare and food production, needs to be better prepared for climate change.
Manager for the LCCP, Kristin Guida, told City News:
“The climate is changing, and we are seeing these types of things happening more often.”
“The different systems across London need to be better prepared and understand how to deal with warmer weather.”
Grade II listed drinking fountain in Victoria Park erected by Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts in 1862
She admits that in the short term, infrequent warmer spells are not an issue.
But if this unseasonable warm weather becomes more common in the next 10-20 years, London will experience consequences.
“The biggest concern for us is the increased likelihood that species and their food sources will see misconnections.”
“When mammals and other animals appear when their food sources aren’t around, this can be very disruptive.”
“Similarly, the issues around not getting enough winter rainfall is very important.”
“The aquifers that serve London tend to fill during winter time, so if we don’t get adequate winter rainfall then there is the danger of drought.”
Parched grass overlooking Canary Wharf London
Transport for London
Ms. Guida said Transport for London (TfL) may struggle to cope with increased heat on the underground, but they are planning appropriately:
“TfL has a programme that looks into cooling the tube, so we can still have people riding comfortably.”
“Considering the way the network is set up, this is incredibly important.”
“Local authorities have a massive role to play in adaptation to climate change.”
“They have a lot of decision making powers…in terms of planning, health, corporate ability to deliver the services they provide.”
“The people in power dealing with this work dealing with this specific, need to consider what impact climate change will have on them and their ability to deliver services efficiently to their populations.”
Droughts will not only affect londoner’s lifestyles, but also local parks – like here in Hyde Park
Victoria Park
Victoria Park Managers, Dave Hime and Hugh Flannery, told City News that the warm winter weather has brought on unwelcome side effects for their wildlife.
Hugh said: “If Winter does come back in March, some of the Spring flowers that have come back will be killed off. Our shrubs are coming up early, such as Daffodils and other plants.”
“Last year they practically didn’t come up until April – these are 6 or 7 weeks early.”
A mother, young child and her dogs enjoying the February sun
Mr. Hime also stated that the Park is preparing for harsher climate conditions in the future, particularly in light of 2018’s record breaking temperatures.
“Last year we found it very difficult to keep up with the watering of some plants.”
“We’re looking to keep up with the watering of some plants and already looking at the plans of bedding and shrubs – in order to see whether they are drought tolerant.”
However, Mr. Hime admitted they are not too worried about the earlier warmer weather:
“We’re managing at the moment. It’s not got to a point where it’s having a bad impact on the park. We’re more interested in educating people in taking home their litter – which is an issue throughout the year.”
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HeadlineGLA Climate Change expert: London’s infrastructure ‘must be better prepared’
Short HeadlineLondon's infrastructure 'must be better prepared' for climate change
StandfirstLondon's parks and Transport for London are already planning for the impact of warmer weather.
On Tuesday, the UK record for the hottest winter day was recorded at Kew Gardens – at 21.2 degrees.
However, the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) climate change expert is concerned over the affect warm Winter weather will have on the capital’s infrastructure.
The London Climate Change Partnership
The London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP), which works as part of the GLA, say that London’s transport, healthcare and food production, needs to be better prepared for climate change.
Manager for the LCCP, Kristin Guida, told City News:
“The climate is changing, and we are seeing these types of things happening more often.”
“The different systems across London need to be better prepared and understand how to deal with warmer weather.”
Grade II listed drinking fountain in Victoria Park erected by Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts in 1862
She admits that in the short term, infrequent warmer spells are not an issue.
But if this unseasonable warm weather becomes more common in the next 10-20 years, London will experience consequences.
“The biggest concern for us is the increased likelihood that species and their food sources will see misconnections.”
“When mammals and other animals appear when their food sources aren’t around, this can be very disruptive.”
“Similarly, the issues around not getting enough winter rainfall is very important.”
“The aquifers that serve London tend to fill during winter time, so if we don’t get adequate winter rainfall then there is the danger of drought.”
Parched grass overlooking Canary Wharf London
Transport for London
Ms. Guida said Transport for London (TfL) may struggle to cope with increased heat on the underground, but they are planning appropriately:
“TfL has a programme that looks into cooling the tube, so we can still have people riding comfortably.”
“Considering the way the network is set up, this is incredibly important.”
“Local authorities have a massive role to play in adaptation to climate change.”
“They have a lot of decision making powers…in terms of planning, health, corporate ability to deliver the services they provide.”
“The people in power dealing with this work dealing with this specific, need to consider what impact climate change will have on them and their ability to deliver services efficiently to their populations.”
Droughts will not only affect londoner’s lifestyles, but also local parks – like here in Hyde Park
Victoria Park
Victoria Park Managers, Dave Hime and Hugh Flannery, told City News that the warm winter weather has brought on unwelcome side effects for their wildlife.
Hugh said: “If Winter does come back in March, some of the Spring flowers that have come back will be killed off. Our shrubs are coming up early, such as Daffodils and other plants.”
“Last year they practically didn’t come up until April – these are 6 or 7 weeks early.”
A mother, young child and her dogs enjoying the February sun
Mr. Hime also stated that the Park is preparing for harsher climate conditions in the future, particularly in light of 2018’s record breaking temperatures.
“Last year we found it very difficult to keep up with the watering of some plants.”
“We’re looking to keep up with the watering of some plants and already looking at the plans of bedding and shrubs – in order to see whether they are drought tolerant.”
However, Mr. Hime admitted they are not too worried about the earlier warmer weather:
“We’re managing at the moment. It’s not got to a point where it’s having a bad impact on the park. We’re more interested in educating people in taking home their litter – which is an issue throughout the year.”
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