The Effect Climate Change is Having on the UK Right Now

Introduction 

For many people when they think of climate change, they think of polar bears perched atop melting icebergs or lone orangutangs clinging to a tree in a desolate forest. But in reality, the effects of climate change are much closer to home. 

In this guide, we explore the effects of climate change in the UK, the impacts we’ve already seen and those we can expect to see if we continue on the same trajectory, as well as the actions businesses can take today to protect themselves and the planet tomorrow. 

What Are the Current Effects of Climate Change in the UK? 

The impacts of climate change in the UK are already widespread and becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. These effects offer a stark glimpse of what could become the “new normal” unless urgent action is taken to slow and reverse climate change. 

Some of the current effects of climate change in the UK include: 

• Rising average temperatures: Average temperatures have risen by approximately 0.25°C per decade since the 1980s. This shift has made more frequent and intense heatwaves and 40°C summer days far more likely to occur. June 2026 has seen record temperature highs, with the Met Office issuing a red warning for extreme heat.  

• Impact on the national grid: Prolonged periods of high temperatures are already placing significant strain on the electricity network. Increased use of air conditioning, cooling systems, and fans is causing spikes in electricity demand, contributing to power outages and overloading grid infrastructure. High temperatures can also reduce the efficiency of electricity transmission by increasing resistance in power lines, making it more difficult to transport power over long distances and placing additional pressure on the grid. 

• Milder winters and reduced snowfall: This warming also affects snowfall, as we begin to see more sleet and rain than snow. 

• Flooding and droughts: Both flooding and droughts have become more widespread, with water shortages in parts of England during dry summers, as well as increased flooding from heavier rainfall and more intense storms. 

• Coastal erosion – In England and Wales, approximately 28% of the coast is experiencing erosion rates of more than 10cm per year, thanks to rising sea levels and extreme weather. This is having an impact on coastal homes and businesses as well as causing damage to historic sites and listed buildings.  

• Threat to farming and wildlife – High temperatures and extreme weather can damage ecosystems and wildlife habitats, with some species declining and changes in marine environments from pollution affecting fish populations and coastal ecosystems. There is also now greater pressure on farmers to adapt to changing growing seasons, heat stress, and unpredictable weather.  

• Public health – Figures suggest that 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Heat-related deaths are at record highs with deaths caused by heat amongst those over the age of 65 rising by 70% in the last two decades. This suggests that without preventative action, these numbers will continue to rise, affecting a larger proportion of the population. 

• Travel disruption: Higher temperatures are causing disruption to transport networks across the UK, particularly the rail system. Extreme heat can cause steel tracks to expand and buckle, leading to speed restrictions, delays, and service cancellations. Overhead power lines can also sag in high temperatures, affecting train operations and increasing the risk of faults. 

• Closure of schools and businesses: Recent high temperatures have also led to the temporary closure of schools, workplaces, and other public facilities when indoor temperatures have become unsafe or uncomfortable. Many buildings in the UK were not designed to cope with prolonged periods of high temperatures and often lack adequate cooling systems. Closures can disrupt education, reduce workplace productivity, and place additional pressures on families who may need to arrange childcare or alter working patterns. 

These impacts of climate change in the UK vary by region, with different communities experiencing different challenges. Coastal communities such as Norfolk, Sussex, Essex and Kent have seen land loss and flooding, whilst more dense and deprived communities on the outskirts of major cities such as London and Birmingham are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat, poor air quality, and pressure on infrastructure and public services. 

What Impact Will Climate Change Have on the UK in the Future? 

If we continue on the same trajectory, we are likely to see the current effects amplified, with outcomes becoming more disruptive and even deadly.  

• Temperature – Temperatures across the country are expected to continue to rise year on year. With sources suggesting that 92% of homes in the UK will be at risk of overheating by 2050. 

We are also likely to see an increase in heat-related mortality, with hotter summers leading to health risks, especially for older people and vulnerable communities. 

• Flooding – The risk of flooding in the UK has increased significantly as a result of climate change, with heavier rainfall and rising sea levels placing more communities at risk. According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, significant flooding could affect between two and three million people across the country if global temperatures rise by 2°C to 3°C above pre-industrial levels. 

More frequent and severe flooding could damage homes, businesses, infrastructure, and farmland, whilst also disrupting transport networks and essential public services. 

• Droughts – Whilst the risk of flooding is increasing, climate change is also raising the likelihood of water shortages and droughts across the UK. Hotter, drier summers are expected to reduce river flows, which could be around a third lower than they were 20 years ago. By 2050, the daily shortfall in water supply could reach five billion litres. 

As pressure on water resources grows, greater investment in water infrastructure will be needed, including the construction of new reservoirs and improved water management systems, to help secure supplies and reduce the risk of severe shortages in the future. 

• Wildfires – As global temperatures continue to rise, wildfires are becoming one of the most visible and destructive effects of climate change. Hotter weather dries out forests, grasslands, and soil, creating ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread rapidly. Longer periods of drought, reduced rainfall, and stronger winds further increase wildfire risk, especially in regions already prone to extreme heat. 

Scientists warn that by 2050, the number of high-risk wildfire days could increase by three to four times in vulnerable areas. In addition, wildfire seasons are expected to last longer, stretching beyond the traditional summer months and extending well into early autumn.  

• Food – One of the most concerning effects of climate change is the growing threat to global food production. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events are already affecting crop yields in many parts of the world. Farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to grow staple foods consistently, whilst floods and heatwaves can destroy entire harvests in a matter of days. 

As agricultural conditions worsen, this could lead to food shortages and declining food quality. This can have serious consequences for public health, particularly for vulnerable populations that already face malnutrition or limited access to healthy food. Food prices are also expected to rise as production becomes more challenging and supply chains face disruption. 

• Public health – Widespread public health is also likely to suffer as the impacts of climate change intensify. Rising temperatures could lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly amongst vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with existing health conditions. Poorer air quality and longer pollen seasons may also worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. 

These impacts are also likely to place pressure on healthcare services, with higher demand for emergency care, hospital admissions and long-term treatment. Warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions may also enable disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, to spread to new regions, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases. More broadly, climate change related disruption to ecosystems and natural processes may alter patterns of infectious disease transmission, creating new problems for public health that healthcare systems will need to monitor and respond to. 

In addition, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, and storms are expected to place growing pressure on the NHS and emergency services, increasing demand for healthcare and emergency response support. 

• Biodiversity and nature – The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with only around half of its biodiversity remaining. Many iconic species that are closely associated with the British countryside are now at risk of extinction, including hedgehogs, Scottish wildcats, bats, dormice, bees, great crested newts, and basking sharks. 

If the effects of climate change continue at their current pace, they could result in widespread habitat loss, species extinction, and large-scale animal migration. Much-loved natural landscapes may be permanently damaged, whilst rising temperatures, flooding, and changing weather patterns could also threaten the long-term viability of farmland across the UK. 

• Economy – Climate change is expected to place growing pressure on the UK economy in a number of ways. The Climate Change Committee estimates that protecting people, businesses, and infrastructure from climate-related risks could cost an average of £11 billion per year. At the same time, the financial impact of extreme weather, including damage to infrastructure, rising insurance claims, and supply chain disruption, is likely to increase significantly. 

As these costs continue to rise, many businesses may struggle to cope with higher operating expenses, with some potentially being forced to reduce operations or close altogether. 

• Global ripple effect – As the impacts of climate change intensify in developing and third world countries, the consequences will create a global ripple effect. Many vulnerable nations are already facing extreme weather events, food insecurity, water shortages, and rising sea levels, which threaten livelihoods and force communities to relocate. As conditions worsen, climate-driven migration is expected to increase, placing additional pressure on neighbouring countries and urban areas. 

The effects of climate change will also disrupt global supply chains. Many developing nations play a critical role in producing food, raw materials, and manufactured goods for international markets. Extreme heat, flooding, droughts, and infrastructure damage can slow production and create shortages, leading to higher prices, delays in essential goods, and economic instability across multiple industries. 

• Pressure to change – As the effects of climate change in the UK grow more severe, it will become impossible to continue on as we are without having to adapt. As temperatures soar, it is likely that new regulations surrounding maximum temperatures for workplaces, hospitals, care homes and more will be introduced. Other, more costly, adaptation measures such as flood defences, water management systems and increased green infrastructure will also become essential. 

What Can Businesses Do to Protect Themselves from Climate Change? 

The impacts of climate change in the UK are inevitably going to have a knock-on effect on businesses. Luckily there are ways to protect your business for the future and push back against climate change. 

Stop relying on fossil fuels and grid electricity 

The burning of fossil fuels has a huge detrimental effect on greenhouse gas emissions. With finite resources dwindling, powering your business with renewable energy is a great way to protect yourself from price spikes that come with energy shortages and global instability, as well as protecting yourself from potential power cuts and other disruption caused by extreme weather. 

Prepare for extreme weather 

Creating contingency plans and investing in flood protection, cooling systems, or backup power can minimise disruption to your operations in instances of extreme weather and shortages. 

Improve energy efficiency 

Upgrade insulation, lighting, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and lower your operating costs. As heatwaves become more common, it is also important to ensure your HVAC systems are running efficiently to keep your building comfortable and prevent unnecessary overspending.  

Build a resilient supply chain 

Work with local and sustainable suppliers to reduce disruption caused by extreme weather events, such as issues with the transport of goods. This will also have a positive impact on your scope 3 emissions. 

Monitor and reduce water usage 

Install water-saving systems and regularly check for leaks to protect against future shortages. This could involve rainwater and greywater harvesting, low-flow appliances, smart water monitoring systems, and more efficient irrigation methods.  

Invest in green technologies 

Adopt smarter systems and low-carbon technologies to future-proof your operations and reduce your environmental impact. Energy-efficient equipment, smart building systems, and sustainable manufacturing processes can help lower emissions, reduce long-term operating costs, and improve resilience. 

Review climate risks regularly 

Assess how changing weather patterns, environmental regulations, and resource availability could affect your business operations. Regular climate risk assessments can help identify vulnerabilities, improve long-term planning, and ensure the business is better prepared for the growing effects of climate change, including supply chain disruption, rising costs, and operational delays. 

Introduce flexible working  

Flexible working arrangements can help your business remain operational during extreme weather events and transport disruptions. Allowing employees to work remotely when conditions make commuting unsafe can reduce downtime. Flexible working can also contribute to lower carbon emissions by reducing commuting and business travel. 

Conduct climate risk assessments and report transparently 

Regular climate risk assessments can help you understand how physical risks, such as flooding, heatwaves, and water shortages could affect your operations. By identifying potential vulnerabilities early, you can develop strategies to mitigate risk. 

When disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities through frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), it is important to provide evidence-based information and be realistic about the financial impacts climate change may have on your operations, rather than relying on overly optimistic assumptions.  

Make a plan for Net Zero 

Developing a Net Zero strategy goes further than reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it also helps you to future-proof your business. 

By setting clear emissions targets and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, you can better prepare for rising energy costs and changing regulations. A well-planned Net Zero strategy can also help you identify and manage climate-related risks to your business, helping you to be better equipped to adapt to challenges. 

How Consultus Sustainability Can Support Your Business in Combatting Climate Change 

Our Net Zero Pathway service will provide you with a step-by-step plan that will help you reduce costs and protect your business from the effects of climate change by reducing emissions, cutting costs and building resilience. 

Our team will collect and assess key business data, benchmarking your performance against industry standards and best practice to identify where the greatest opportunities lie. Through workshops with key stakeholders, we work closely with your team to understand your operations and long-term objectives.  

We then identify areas for improvement, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, carbon emissions, resource management, and sustainable procurement, before creating a clear, step-by-step action plan. 

If you want to take a more detailed look at how your business uses energy, and how you can cut costs and lower consumption, a business energy audit is a great way to gain insights. Our audits provide a clear breakdown of where energy is being used inefficiently, highlight areas of waste, and identify practical opportunities for improvement such as upgrading equipment, improving insulation, or optimising heating, cooling, and lighting systems. 

As the UK government work towards net zero targets, more and more businesses are being required to complete mandatory carbon reporting. Consultus Sustainability can conduct energy audits, help you collect the necessary data, and ensure you stay compliant with changing regulations, protecting your business. We have a 100% success rate on compliance reporting, and can help with key regulations such as ESOS, SECR, TCFD, and more.  

If you’re ready to take steps to protect your business, get in touch today to discuss how we can help you.