Drought, heatwaves, and wildfires have emerged as the leading climate-related concerns in the United Kingdom, surpassing flooding and storms, according to recent polling data. The shift in public perception follows two consecutive years of extreme hot, dry summers marked by widespread drought, multiple heatwaves, numerous wildfires, and hosepipe bans affecting millions of residents.
A survey conducted by Savanta for Climate Barometer, which tracks public opinion on climate change, found that 62% of respondents now identify heatwaves and extreme heat as among the most urgent climate issues facing the UK. This is followed by drought and water scarcity at 48% and wildfires at 47%. By contrast, flooding was cited by 40%, severe storms by 25%, and sea level rise by 23%.
This represents a significant change from two years ago, when flooding dominated public concern at 68%, alongside severe storms at 44% and sea level rise and coastal erosion at 45%. At that time, heatwaves were considered a pressing climate impact by just 36% of respondents, drought by 26%, and wildfires were much less prominent at 13%.
The survey, which included more than 2,000 participants, also revealed strong public support for nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. Around 80% endorsed increased investment in parks, ponds, and trees to provide shade and cooling during hot weather, while only 3% opposed such measures. Despite widespread concern, only 14% of respondents reported noticing initiatives such as urban tree planting, shaded public spaces, or building shutters designed to combat heatwaves. Similarly, 13% observed the creation or upgrading of parks and ponds.
Dr. Niall McLoughlin, impacts and adaptation lead at Climate Barometer, noted that the British public’s attitudes toward summer heat have shifted dramatically. “Summer heat used to be something we looked forward to in the UK – now it’s something many of us dread,” he said. McLoughlin emphasized the effectiveness of nature-based shading and cooling as a practical approach to managing rising temperatures.
Political support for such initiatives appears to be robust. In a separate poll of over 100 Members of Parliament conducted earlier this year by Savanta for Climate Barometer, more than three-quarters (77%) backed increased investment in green and blue infrastructure.
Experts warn that unless the UK and other nations achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions—primarily by reducing fossil fuel use in power generation, transport, heating, and industry—extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods are expected to intensify in frequency and severity.