The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, warned that London is “cooking” as the capital swelters in a severe heatwave that could smash the June temperature record set in 1976. Speaking at London Climate Action Week on Tuesday, Guterres referenced Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale Of Two Cities, saying: “Crisis brings clarity and here in London – the city of Dickens – it is clear that our world is facing a ‘tale of two crises’.”
“A climate crisis is pushing us deeper towards higher temperatures and closer to catastrophic tipping points, and an energy crisis is exposing the folly of a world hooked on hydrocarbons,” he added. “On the surface, these crises may seem separate, but they share the same destructive origin: fossil fuels.”
“UN chief warns London 'cooking' as red heat warning issued and temperatures approach 40C.”
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat covering an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in force from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday. The temperature could come close to the UK’s all-time high of 40.3C, measured in July 2022. Overnight on Tuesday, the temperature did not dip below 20C at nine locations across England, recording what the Met Office classifies as a tropical night. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes also hit England during the early hours of Tuesday.
Guterres warned that climate chaos is “accelerating before our eyes” while the arrival of the El Niño warming weather phenomenon this summer risks “blowing the house down” as it compounds the escalating impacts. His speech came against the backdrop of the ongoing Middle East conflict, which continues to drive global market volatility as fossil fuel prices surge. Both crises, he said, “demand the same answer”: a “fast, fair transition to clean energy and a surge in adaptation, resilience and climate justice for those already facing climate harm.”
During the address, Guterres announced the launch of an AI environmental transparency initiative, calling on technology firms to share information on their carbon, water and land footprint, and to commit to powering data centres with renewable energy. He also called on governments to tackle planet-heating methane emissions, warning that voluntary actions are no longer enough.
Transport networks are struggling under the extreme heat. Network Rail warned passengers to “only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday.” Its deputy chief executive, Jake Kelly, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first. We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone, as temperatures are expected to peak.” He added: “If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it, where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe.” Some schools and shops in London have already closed as millions prepare for what could be an unprecedented heatwave for this time of year.
As the capital baked, Guterres delivered his starkest warning yet: “London isn't just calling. It’s cooking.”