Wednesday briefing: How can the UK protect its landscape in an increasingly hot world?

The United Kingdom is experiencing unprecedented heatwaves this week, with the Met Office issuing a rare red weather warning for parts of southern Wales, central, and southern England. Temperatures are forecast to exceed the June record of 35.6C, with Bristol predicted to reach 39C. This extreme heat is straining the nation's infrastructure, causing millions of homes to overheat, prompting rail operators to advise against non-essential travel, and anticipating a surge in hospital admissions. The Climate Change Committee has stated that the UK's infrastructure is designed for a climate that no longer exists and has expressed concern over the country's policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions. Schools, hospitals, transport networks, and water companies are struggling to manage the impact of the extreme temperatures, which are attributed to climate breakdown. In UK politics, Keir Starmer met with Andy Burnham for the first time since the Makerfield byelection, a meeting described by sources as "frosty".