Heatwaves overtake flooding as top ‘pressing’ climate impact for Britons

DROUGHT, heatwaves and wildfires have overtaken floods and storms in people’s minds as the most pressing climate impacts for Britain, polling shows.

After a second extreme hot, dry summer in a row, Climate Barometer polling found 62 per cent now name heatwaves and extreme heat as one of the most pressing impacts, while 48 per cent said drought and almost as many highlighted wildfires.

Flooding followed at 40 per cent despite dominating concerns at 68 per cent in 2024 after the wettest September on record for some counties in England.