Adapting to climate change in Richmond

Climate change is already affecting Richmond upon Thames. We are experiencing hotter summers, more intense rainfall, and an increased risk of flooding. Learn more about the changes we are seeing, what they could mean for you, and how to stay safe and prepared.

Richmond's changing climate

As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. These include heatwaves, floods, droughts and storms, which can have serious impacts on communities, from damage to homes and infrastructure to risks to health and livelihoods.

Richmond is already experiencing these effects. In 2021, parts of the borough were affected by severe surface water flooding. In summer 2022, temperatures in London exceeded 40°C for the first time, contributing to an estimated 387 excess deaths across the city. As the climate continues to warm, Richmond is likely to experience these risks more often and more intensely, alongside new challenges linked to climate change.

Our Climate Risk Map combines overheating and flooding hazard data with physical and social factors that influence risk across the borough. The map helps inform our understanding of climate risk and supports our climate action planning.

How we are preparing

We’re preparing for a changing climate, including more frequent flooding and heatwaves. Our work includes embedding adaptation and resilience across all areas of council activity, prioritising effective nature-based solutions, and recognising that climate change can have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable.

Our Adaptation and Resilience Strategy outlines current and projected climate risks for Richmond and our priorities for responding to them. It was developed with input from community reporters, our Commonplace consultation in 2024 to 2025, and feedback gathered through the Richmond Sustainability Forum. The strategy includes a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for Richmond, which identifies extreme heat and flooding as the greatest overall risks to the sectors assessed.

Nature-based solutions play an important role in helping us adapt to a warming climate. Our plans for parklets and rain gardens will help manage rainwater runoff and reduce flood risk, while creating greener, cooler local spaces. Our Community BlueScapes programme is a solutions focused partnership with Barnes Common and WWT funded by DEFRA and the Environment Agency. It will help manage flood risk in the Beverley Brook catchment area.

How you can prepare

You can take simple steps to stay safe and prepare for future climate risks:

• Prepare for and respond to severe weather
• Learn about the health risks of hot weather by watching our training videos
• Learn how to keep your home cool with the Overheating Adaptation Guide for Homes
• Find your nearest cool space in Richmond
• Learn how permeable surfacing of front gardens can help reduce flood risk
• Read our Resident Action Pack for more ways to respond to climate change and reduce your impact