The summer of 2026 has seen the climate crisis leave its mark across the UK, with record-smashing temperatures, wildfires, hosepipe bans, and thousands of premature deaths. While addressing the root causes of the crisis will take years, a new report outlines 10 policies for Andy Burnham's government to consider implementing urgently.
Among the suggested policies are rejecting drilling licences for the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gasfields, and increasing the windfall tax on fossil fuel giants. The report argues that approving North Sea oil and gasfields would have no impact on UK energy prices, which are set by international markets.
Other proposals include making water reuse mandatory in new buildings and incentivising rainwater harvesting, as the UK is predicted to face a shortfall of 5 billion litres of water a day by 2055. Bringing the water industry under national control is also suggested, with critics arguing the privatised system has prioritised shareholder dividends over infrastructure investment.
The report also highlights the need for investment in proper equipment for firefighters to combat large wildfires, and the implementation of a maximum workplace temperature. During June's heatwaves, temperatures in some workplaces reportedly exceeded 40C, with the TUC advocating for rules to reduce temperatures above 24C and allow workers to stop if temperatures reach 30C, or 27C for strenuous jobs.
Funding cool spaces in every community, such as school halls or libraries, is another recommendation, as heatwaves intensify and pose greater risks to vulnerable people. Finally, a national retrofit programme for homes is proposed, as UK homes are described as among the least energy-efficient in Europe.