The present Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has warned the capital’s city-dwellers that due to climate change, floods, droughts and heat waves could cause a virtual collapse of the capital unless action is immediately taken to address the growing circumstances of climate change.

Launching his climate change strategy for London, suitably dubbed London’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (LCCAS), the Mayor stressed that global warming would affect all Londoners:

‘For London, scientists currently forecast warmer, wetter winters and hotter drier summers, coupled with the increase in frequency of extreme weather and rising sea levels,’ he said.

The reports have estimated that 1.25million people would be affected if a major flooding took the city. The report concludes with strategies to tackle climate change and mitigate its ongoing effects.

However, the report comes at a time when the Mayor is faced with increasing criticism from green-groups and environmentalists for failing to appoint a ‘green’ advisor within his administration.

Jenny Jones, a Green Party London Assembly member, has led accusations toward Mr Johnson stating that by failing to consolidate the team he needs to deliver on his promise to cut carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025 he is jeopardising the integrity of the pledge.

Speaking at the launch of LCCAS, held at the Thames Barrier last month, Mr Johnson said: ‘Urban areas are inherently vulnerable to the impact of climate change – the density of people and assets means that there is automatically more at stake.

‘The strategy I am launching today outlines in detail the range of weather conditions facing London, which could both seriously threaten our quality of life – particularly that of the most vulnerable people – and endanger our pre-eminence as one of the world’s leading cities.’

The plan draws particular attention to the ‘urban heat island’ effect caused by large and high-rise buildings trapping pockets of heat and gases, and exhibits plans to implement a case for new green areas across London districts. The report has also emphasised the ever-increasing threats of sudden and flash flooding, often produced by the UK sporadic weather patterns.

‘By the end of the century, winters will become warmer, suggesting a traditional white Christmas might happen just once in a Londoner’s lifetime,’ the report continues

‘The rising temperatures will mean new and exotic flora and fauna in London which are more commonly seen in Mediterranean climates.'

‘Londoners will face an increased risk of floods, droughts and heatwaves that will endanger the prosperity of the city and the quality of life for all.’

Whilst drawing attention to the more idyllic vistas of a London setting, the reports has been geared to trigger the London crowd’s concerns in view of a changing environment that will in effect force them to act, in response or with prevention.

Robert Runcie, the Environment Agency’s Thames regional director, said: ‘London’s world class city is currently protected from the increasing risk of tidal flooding by the Thames Barrier, which will see us into the next century as the people and businesses of London move forward in adapting to meet the challenges of climate change.

‘We welcome the Mayor’s strategy and will be playing our part in helping deliver the solutions such as planning for London’s future tidal flood defences.’

The Greater London Authority will meet with the Mayor’s administration and other bodies to review the report before the final cut is released for public consultation next year.

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