London heat risk prompts adaptation

An academic argues Britain should treat extreme heat as a risk and learn from continental cities on design and daily life.

London must adapt heat risk by learning from hotter European cities

A UK academic argues Britain should treat extreme heat as a risk and urges changes in building design and daily life. Mehri Khosravi of the University of East London says London needs to shift its attitude toward heat to match practices seen in other European cities.

The piece notes Seville as a model where everyday life is reshaped by heat: bars and restaurants close in the afternoon and locals avoid outdoor activity during peak sun, resuming later in the evening. The expert suggests simple behavioral changes such as shading buildings, keeping curtains closed, and using the night hours for ventilation. These steps, she argues, can be implemented without major upheaval and offer a practical path to reducing heat exposure in urban settings.

The argument rests on a blend of architectural thinking and cultural adaptation. It challenges a common British assumption that heat is just an occasional annoyance and reframes it as a risk that warrants foresight in design and routine. The critique also raises questions about how cities balance comfort, energy use, and cost in a warming climate. If adopted, the approach could push planners to rethink street layouts, window design, and public messaging. The risk is that without clear incentives, behavior changes may stall and leave vulnerable groups exposed.

Highlights

Small changes in design and daily routines could reshape London summers.