Skip To Content
Together for Surrey Master Logo WHITE AND COLOUR
To Do List

Strengthen Surrey’s Resilience to Extreme Heat

Every summer, the UK is getting hotter, and the extreme heat is becoming harder for people to deal with. In June 2026, the UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) issued red heat-health alert for the first time since 2022 (UKHSA extends red heat-health alerts across England – GOV.UK), which meant that the heat was dangerous enough to put people’s health at risk. Across the country, people struggled to carry out daily routines, sleep comfortably at night, and stay safe in homes and workplaces that were never designed for prolonged heat. With proper cooling systems still a long way off, people often have to manage the heat on their own when temperatures rise sharply.

That said, there is important work happening to make buildings and communities stronger and better prepared for the changing climate. Surrey County Council is investing in practical, local projects that help schools and community groups adapt. Through programmes like the Surrey Resilient Schools Grants and the Community Nature Recovery Grants, the Council is supporting efforts to make school buildings more climate‑resilient, increase shade and green spaces, and restore local nature. Together, these projects are helping Surrey get ready for hotter summers and protect the wellbeing of its residents.

Building resilient infrastructure and restoring local nature is important and brings many benefits, including:

  • Protecting people’s health by reducing extreme heat and creating cooler, safer spaces.
  • Improving school and community environments with more shade, greener areas, and better‑designed buildings.
  • Supporting wildlife and biodiversity through restored habitats and healthier local ecosystems.
  • Strengthening long‑term climate resilience so communities can better cope with hotter summers and other climate impacts.
Secret Link