Parts of the UK recorded highs above 35°C as Britain faced one of its most severe June heatwaves on record. Photo Credit: iStock/SHansche
An event aimed at tackling extreme heat was cancelled amid a record-breaking heatwave, turning a policy discussion into a live example of the risks climate experts have long warned about.
The session, titled Extreme Heat: Improving Governance and Strengthening Action Around the World, was due to take place during London Climate Action Week at the Shaw Library of the London School of Economics (LSE).
Organisers cancelled the event “due to the red extreme heat warning issued by the UK Met Office”, with some media reports further nothing that the historic Shaw Library venue lacked air conditioning.
Besides the policy and governance discussion, the programme which was originally scheduled to run from 9:30am to 12:00pm on 24 June also included an award presentation for the inaugural Adeline Stuart-Watt Award.
The cancellation occurred as Britain experienced one of its most severe June heatwaves on record, according to local media reports. Temperatures in London reached unprecedented levels for the month, with parts of the UK recording highs above 35°C and authorities issuing health alerts amid concerns over heat-related illness.
The disruption was part of record-breaking edition of London Climate Action Week, which organisers said attracted more than 75,000 participants across approximately 1,300 events focused on climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainable development.
Despite the cancellation, the wider programme proceeded as scheduled.
Speaking during the event, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres had remarked that “London isn't just calling, it's cooking”.