The South West is one of the warmest regions of the UK, making it particularly exposed to the impacts of a changing climate. The unprecedented five UK heatwaves in 2026 have brought record daytime and overnight temperatures, providing a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a future challenge. It is already affecting how we live and work.
For those involved in infrastructure planning, delivery and operation across the region, the heatwaves reinforce two important realities: we must continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit future climate change, while at the same time adapting to the impacts that are already being felt today.
Balancing net zero transition with adaptation is at the heart of SWIP’s work. Over recent years, our workshops have explored how infrastructure systems are increasingly challenged by climate extremes. The need to build greater resilience across the South West is an urgent priority while maintaining momentum on decarbonisation.
Five heatwaves, one clear message
The speed at which extreme temperatures are now being observed has surprised many. Combined with the continuing rise in global temperatures, it demonstrates why emissions reductions alone are not enough. Even if significant progress is made towards net zero, some climate impacts are already locked in and must be planned for now.
Climate change is clearly a global issue, requiring action from major emitting nations across the world. Progress is not always straightforward, with economic pressures, political priorities and concerns about short-term costs often influencing decision-making. History has shown that securing and maintaining consensus can be difficult.
However, that should not distract from the importance of action at national, regional and local levels. The UK was among the first countries to establish a legally binding framework for reducing emissions through the Climate Change Act. While political debate continues around the costs of the transition, increasing evidence suggests that price of inaction is likely to be far greater.
The Climate Change Committee’s 2026 supplementary analysis of the Seventh Carbon Budget found that achieving net zero is a more cost-effective path for the UK economy than continued reliance on fossil fuels. In fact, the benefits of the transition are estimated to be between 2.2 and 4.1 times greater than the costs.
Why adaptation must stand alongside net zero
However, while reducing emissions can limit the scale of future climate change, it cannot prevent all of the impacts that are already locked into the system. That is why adaptation must sit alongside net zero as an equal priority. Sea levels will continue rising, while communities and infrastructure are increasingly affected by flooding, drought, storms, wildfires and extreme temperatures. These risks are particularly relevant in the South West, where coastal communities, transport networks, water resources and rural areas all face growing pressures.
The Climate Change Committee’s latest adaptation assessment concluded that significant additional investment will be required to improve resilience across the UK. Key priorities include cooling buildings and urban areas, managing flood risk, and improving water efficiency and storage.
A new ICE report also calls for a review into the value of infrastructure adaptation and climate resilience in order to boost investment. A key recommendation is that government should put the economic value of climate resilience at the heart of decision-making, using better evidence, joined-up planning and stronger incentives to invest in adaptation before costs and risks escalate.
Is the South West ready for a warmer future?
While national policy plays an important role, many adaptation measures are delivered locally. Recent heatwaves showed how quickly communities, organisations and local authorities across the South West can respond when necessary. Individuals adapted too, with people changing travel plans, altering working patterns, keeping homes cooler through shading and overnight ventilation, and checking on those most vulnerable to the heat. These small but practical actions highlight an important point: adapting to climate change is not only about major infrastructure investment, but also about how communities understand and respond to climate extremes.
After a summer of five UK heatwaves, extreme temperatures are becoming an increasingly important consideration for infrastructure owners and operators. Hotter and drier conditions are affecting the region’s water resources, transport networks, energy systems and entire built environment from schools to hospitals. As the region warms, we have an opportunity to share knowledge and help ensure the South West is better prepared.
As Chair of SWIP, I see an important role for the partnership. The South West has a wealth of expertise across infrastructure, engineering, planning, academia and local government, and bringing these perspectives together helps turn knowledge into action.
That is why SWIP’s Action Plan 2030 focuses on collaboration, knowledge sharing and public engagement. Through projects such as our regionally focused playbooks, we are helping the infrastructure community across the South West understand climate risks, share good practice and identify practical responses. Building a resilient, net zero region will depend on this collective effort.