London Climate Action Week was meant to be a solution-seeker. Instead, it faced the harsh reality of extreme temperatures that have forced events to cancel and participants to rethink their plans.

The heatwave has set records with temperatures soaring to 39 degrees Celsius in London, while Europe endures its hottest June on record. The UK Met Office warns this could be the hottest ever recorded in the country, prompting schools to shut down and rail operators to reduce services due to the risk of overheating tracks.

Organizers pulled out of numerous sessions on adapting buildings for extreme climates due to transport issues, highlighting the irony that discussions about future challenges are rendered obsolete by immediate ones. Rupert Read from the Climate Majority Project decided not to travel, citing his heart condition as a reason, while Charlotte Baker cancelled her asthma-affected plans.

With train lines experiencing disruptions and potential risks on roads due to softening asphalt, many opted for online engagement instead of in-person events. Claire Bishop, who had planned to drive from Bristol with an electric vehicle, chose not to risk being stuck on a motorway in the heat. Even with the best intentions, the infrastructure could fail.

It’s clear that climate change isn’t just a future concern – it’s here and now, rewriting even our most ambitious plans for a greener world.