AGP Executive Report

Heat & health: UKHSA says 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred in May–June 2026, nearly double all of 2025, with 2026 “likely” to top the record year of 2022—another stark warning as temperatures keep breaking monthly records. Drought in the UK: Wales has extended its drought declaration across the whole country after just 8% of average July rainfall, with rivers and groundwater under severe strain and wildfire risk rising. Wildfire politics: Suffolk’s climate emergency row is back in focus after a major Dunwich Heath fire, with calls to reinstate the declaration and critics pointing to climate-driven fire danger. Waste & recycling: Veolia has won a £183m, 10-year East London contract to redevelop waste transfer stations and expand reuse and recycling centres, aiming to cut burning and boost recovery. Community climate action: A petition backed by 12,000 people pushes for a ban on disposable BBQs, arguing heatwave-linked fires and waste make them untenable. Green innovation: Veolia’s contract and Wales’ drought response sit alongside new circular-economy wins, including an ESG-positive e-waste recovery operator celebrating landfill diversion and emissions cuts.

Heat & health: England has seen nearly 2,900 heat-related deaths so far this summer, with UKHSA warning numbers could hit record highs if hot spells continue. Drought & water stress: Wales has declared drought across the country after July rainfall collapsed to around 8% of normal, with rivers at exceptionally low flows and impacts ranging from fish distress to wildfire risk. Wildfire risk: A wildfire near Blaenavon in South Wales reached its 11th day, with fire crews still on site and renewed calls for a charcoal barbecue ban during prolonged dry weather. Policy fight over climate: Tory leader Kemi Badenoch attacked “net zero” bureaucracy as jobs and businesses get “regulated out of existence”, while the debate over how to respond to climate change intensifies. Net zero on the ground: Raasay is converting a disused ferry store into a solar-powered venison processing hub, alongside habitat restoration and native tree planting, as part of its 2040 carbon-neutral push. Infrastructure & costs: HS2 contracts have been renegotiated to cut spending risk, as government tries to rein in costs on the London–Birmingham line.

UK drought & wildfire risk: The Environment Agency says more than half of England is officially in drought, with a “flash drought” and hosepipe bans affecting millions as heat pushes conditions towards a 50-year record and triggers severe wildfire warnings. Coastal pollution response: Over 1,000 volunteers are racing the tide to clean up nurdles (plastic pellets) washing onto North East beaches after a shipping collision, using mesh bags and seawater to stop pellets embedding in habitats. Recycling rules tightening: New food-bin restrictions are coming into force, with 11 items banned from caddies under simpler recycling guidance—wrong items mean bins won’t be collected. Heat impacts health: Scientists warn extreme heat is worsening sleep and daily routines, driving anxiety and “climate anxiety,” while UK heat health alerts continue through the fourth heatwave. Water infrastructure: NI Water begins an £8m upgrade at Downpatrick wastewater works to replace ageing equipment and meet environmental discharge consents. Local community funding: A Coatbridge MP backs £37k+ in community grants for youth, environmental projects and wellbeing via the Community Empowerment Fund.

UK drought and heatwave pressure: The Environment Agency says more than half of England is now officially in drought, with a fourth heatwave pushing temperatures up to around 35C and raising wildfire risk. Water stress response: Essex & Suffolk Water says it hasn’t yet imposed restrictions but is urging people to use water wisely as reservoir levels and demand are monitored. Wildlife and habitat management: East Suffolk Council has brought Cheviot goats back onto Sutton Heath to graze scrub and protect sensitive heathland, using low-impact management with GPS tracking. Urban water quality: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a 10-year Clean Rivers and Waterways plan after none of the city’s rivers are rated “good”, citing ongoing pollution including sewage discharges. Climate politics clash: Kemi Badenoch defends scrapping net zero, arguing it would raise energy costs, while the debate intensifies as drought and wildfires hit Europe. Pollution scrutiny abroad with UK links: A Congo audit into French-British oil firm Perenco alleges pollution impacts from its operations, including gas flaring near communities.

Heatwave & rail disruption: Prolonged hot weather is forcing speed limits on “drying out” train tracks between Salisbury and Exeter, with Network Rail warning clay embankments are losing stability. Wildfire risk across Europe: Scientists say climate change is pushing wildfire geography beyond traditional hotspots, with France and Spain already facing mass evacuations as fires spread near Bordeaux and beyond. UK heat health alerts: Amber and yellow heat health alerts are in force for parts of England, warning of increased risk to elderly and vulnerable people and pressure on care settings. Coastal climate impacts: A new fund targets US$100m to build resilience for island states via a “blue economy” approach, aiming to close the adaptation finance gap. Water crisis abroad: Gaza’s health officials warn worsening water quality and pollution are driving waterborne disease spikes and a looming health and environmental disaster. Local nature & community energy: Worthing’s Climate Resilience Centre is running a drop-in on community clean energy, while Northern Ireland’s Mourne Gullion project is set to restore habitats and boost resilience with National Lottery support. Transport & emissions policy: Experts slam a proposed England road/transport rule package tied to Andy Burnham’s plans, arguing funding trade-offs could undermine climate-linked commitments.

Wildfire & heatwave alert: Fire chiefs say wildfire risk “remains elevated” across the UK after 200+ blazes in a fortnight, as a fourth heatwave looms with temperatures up to 35C; the UKHSA has issued amber heat-health warnings for the East Midlands, East, South East and London, with 706 wildfires tackled so far in 2026. Welsh emergency funding push: Green Party Senedd members warn Wales’ wildfire response is being held back by chronic underfunding, calling for more money for emergency services and stronger prevention as extreme fires hit north and south Wales. Scotland muirburn licensing row: A call for an urgent review of muirburn licensing follows the Cairngorms wildfire, with concerns new rules could undermine practical fuel-reduction measures. Plastic pollution cleanup: Volunteers in Whitley Bay and across the North East are tackling nurdle pollution after a spill linked to the Wind Orca and BG Orange, urging better council coordination. Corporate climate pledge backtrack: Meta is withdrawing from RE100 after funding gas-fired power plants, raising fresh questions about how data-centre demand is being powered. Toxic waste justice: UN experts renew calls for accountability 20 years after Trafigura’s Probo Koala dumping in Côte d’Ivoire, citing “environmental racism” and ongoing victims’ demands for remedies.

Heatwave & Drought Response: The Met Office and UKHSA have upgraded heat health alerts to amber in parts of England as a fourth heatwave hits, with temperatures forecast up to 35C and very low rainfall leaving drought conditions in place. Wildfire Crisis (France/Spain): Wildfires near Bordeaux have forced evacuations of 260,000 people and are described as France’s worst since WWII, while Spain faces major evacuations near Madrid as extreme heat drives the fires. UK Water & Waste Costs: Tamworth residents face a rise in garden waste collection charges to £43.50 for 2027, as councils try to cover costs amid ongoing pressure on local services. Renewables Planning Win: British Solar Renewables has won an appeal for a 29MW solar park in Hampshire, with the inspector citing renewable and biodiversity net gain benefits outweighing landscape harm. Coastal Climate Record: A Hebridean salt marsh study finds an almost unbroken 2,500-year record of sea level change, offering a long view of how Scotland’s coasts respond to shifting climates.

Wildfire costs and travel disruption: UK insurers warn holidaymakers may struggle to claim refunds after “apocalyptic” wildfires force evacuations near Bordeaux, as FCDO advice stops short of triggering broad cover. Extreme heat risk: The Met Office says fires could become exceptionally severe in parts of London, the south east and east England under hot, dry conditions, while Wales faces another warm spell with temperatures near 28C. Scotland’s firefighting push: In the Cairngorms, officials report smouldering deep underground and keep around 70 firefighters on scene, with thermal drones and water-bombing planned. Climate impacts on coasts: A new study projects up to 13 million people could face coastal flooding exposure by 2300, showing today’s emissions choices will shape what remains livable. Offshore wind scaling: Experts say offshore wind’s pace is held back by grid connections, ship and port capacity, and auction failures, despite strong UK generation. Climate accountability in court: LSE’s Grantham Institute reports 3,600 climate cases filed across 62 countries, with the UK among the top jurisdictions. Food system health: Research links factory-farmed chicken to a 100-fold rise in campylobacter spread, raising concerns for UK food poisoning and longer-term disease risk. Local environment enforcement: A County Durham director was convicted over commercial fly-tipping after CCTV-linked waste deposits.

Heatwave fallout: A yellow heat alert is in place across parts of England and the Midlands, with UKHSA warning of “significant impacts” on health and social care, including higher deaths among vulnerable people and more drownings; pest experts also warn that leaving windows open overnight can invite insects indoors. Drought and water stress: With hosepipe bans spreading, gardeners say they’re being pushed to break rules as leaks and water-hungry AI data centres become part of the blame game. Climate cost to work: New research links June’s extreme heat to 24 million lost working hours and a £1.15bn hit to the UK economy. Wildfire risk: The government is preparing for UK wildfires similar to those in France and Spain. Sports and emissions scrutiny: Environmental campaigners are questioning FIFA’s climate promises after reports of Gianni Infantino’s 106,000km private jet travel during the 2026 World Cup. Water safety push: Water Safety England backs a new drowning prevention strategy calling for all children to learn to swim via school lessons. Green tech in events: Green Buggy Hire launches UK-wide electric buggy rentals for weddings, festivals and film productions.

Water Quality Restoration: A new partnership between the Winchester Downs Farmers Cluster and the Upper Itchen Restoration CIC will ramp up weekly water testing on the River Itchen, aiming to move from monitoring to action to tackle run-off and nutrient spikes threatening a rare chalk-stream ecosystem. PFAS and Jobs: AGC Chemicals Europe is consulting on closing its Thornton Cleveleys plant, affecting 190 workers, amid long-running PFAS/PFOA contamination concerns linked to kidney cancer risk. Heatwave and Wildfires: Europe’s record heat continues to drive major wildfires, with hundreds of thousands evacuated in France and Spain and smoke impacts spreading far beyond the fire zones. UK Wildfire Response Politics: Scotland’s SNP rejected a UK offer of Chinook helicopters to help fight the Cairngorms blaze, arguing the aircraft can’t drop water and that Scottish Fire and Rescue already has what it needs. Climate Policy Debate: A fresh argument is making the case that the era of “unlimited emissions offsets” is ending, as scrutiny grows over how carbon credits and offsets are counted. Energy and Cooling: The Lib Dems are calling for air conditioning in all new UK homes and in essential public buildings, pointing to heat-health alerts and drought conditions. River Pollution and Local Action: A Monmouthshire MP backs action on River Wye pollution and high-street decline, urging the new PM to prioritise cleaner rivers and local regeneration. Drought Pressure: UK and European drought conditions are intensifying risks for wildlife, rivers and water supplies as heatwaves keep rolling in.

Food Security & Drought: With England facing prolonged dry weather and heatwaves, debate is growing over whether the UK should start national food stockpiling as global supply chains wobble. Road Safety & Transport Policy: Research warns many drivers underestimate how SUVs endanger pedestrians and cyclists, adding fuel to calls for tougher rules and taxes. Water & Pollution: New claims suggest most raw sewage spills in Scotland may be unlawful under court-tested rules for “heavy rainfall”, while Wiltshire councillors push to protect the River Avon amid water-quality fears. Renewables & Jobs: A ScotWind supply-chain comparison says Scotland’s share of offshore wind spending has fallen sharply, raising concerns about lost local industrial benefits. Nature & Invasives: Scotland’s native tree share is alarmingly low, and Suffolk gardeners are warned about invasive Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed. Waste & Recycling: Cambridgeshire reports recycling 35,000+ tonnes of coffee pods, while Birmingham residents complain fortnightly bin changes are piling up rubbish. Local Planning: Oxfordshire’s Botley West solar farm faces scrutiny over landscape and heritage impacts, and North Devon celebrates water vole reintroductions after major restoration.

UK heat and drought pressure: The Met Office and health agencies warn a fourth UK heatwave is set to hit next week, with yellow heat-health alerts across parts of England and temperatures pushing above 30C in places, while drought conditions persist in several areas and rain is only partial. Wildfire response strain: Major incidents continue as wildfires burn in the Cairngorms and Derbyshire’s Peak District, with firefighters drafted in and operations described as complex and resource-heavy. Water quality and sewage fears: In Scotland, Kinghorn’s seafront bathing status is at risk after raw sewage spills and repeated E.coli exceedances, raising concerns about “no-go” beach warnings and local impacts. Marine heatwave impacts: Wales’ seas are seeing record marine heatwave effects, with unusual species sightings and warnings that warming waters could threaten cod and other wildlife. Plastic and microplastics research: UK researchers at the University of Portsmouth are studying whether counterfeit football shirts shed more microplastics than authentic kits, linking knockoffs to higher pollution and waste. Carbon capture scepticism: A report says the carbon capture boom is starting to crack as projects underperform and doubts grow about relying on CCS instead of cutting emissions. Youth climate push: Commonwealth youth leaders urge governments to protect vulnerable groups and fund youth-led climate action ahead of global talks in Glasgow.

Heat & health: Yellow heat health alerts are in place across parts of the UK despite forecasts of rain, with UKHSA warning hot weather could strain health and social care and put vulnerable people at risk. Wildfire crisis: Police Scotland has declared a major incident as a Cairngorms wildfire rages into its tenth day, with evacuations around Nethy Bridge and roads closed. Toxic waste watch: The Environment Agency says it is “carefully considering” claims of toxic chemicals at a 25,000-tonne illegal dump in Bickershaw, after a fire last summer and new testing work. Water stress & access: Right to Roam says almost three-quarters of England’s riverbanks have no public access, calling for a promised access consultation and a right of responsible access. Policy reset for farming: Andy Burnham’s new cabinet includes Angela Eagle as environment secretary, with attention on whether existing farming plans and reviews will be carried forward. Local green action: Wales’ Manorbier Community Garden wins Green Flag recognition, highlighting community-led, pesticide-free growing and biodiversity. Tourism accessibility: Wales launches the £2m “Croeso i Bawb” grant to help tourism and hospitality businesses remove barriers for disabled visitors.

Plastic pollution: Protesters in the north-east say plastic pellets (“nurdles”) washed up after a Port of Tyne incident, with Environment Agency investigations under way and calls for faster clean-up and vessel owners to pay. Drought and water stress: Natural Resources Wales has put North Wales catchments into drought status, while Welsh Water stresses it’s separate from hosepipe bans and says no new restrictions are planned there. Heat impacts: UKHSA issued yellow heat health alerts across parts of England, warning of pressure on care services and higher risks for vulnerable people as temperatures push towards 30C. Wildfire emergency (Scotland): Police Scotland ordered a full evacuation of Nethy Bridge as the Cairngorms wildfire spread risk grew, with residents sent to a respite centre. Air quality (Canada): Thick wildfire smoke worsened air warnings in B.C., urging people to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity. Water safety: A new England drowning prevention strategy urges families to talk early with children ahead of summer risks. Climate resilience (Scotland): Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre was shortlisted for retrofit awards after a fabric-first, zero direct emissions heating upgrade. Active travel row: A £13m cycle and walking route linking Blyth to North Tyneside faces local opposition in Seaton Sluice.

Drought & water stress: Wales has declared drought status as the River Wye runs low and Natural Resources Wales warns of continued dry weather, with multiple catchments moved to “prolonged dry weather” and some areas seeing less than 20% of expected July rainfall. Heat impacts: UKHSA has issued yellow heat health alerts across parts of England for the weekend, warning temperatures could reach around 30C and raise risks for health and social care, with water-related incidents also flagged. Work lost to extreme heat: New research says the June heatwave cost the UK £1.15bn and 24 million lost work hours, with millions facing hosepipe restrictions and growing pressure on water, farming and wildlife. Recycling rules & waste: Confusion around England’s bin rules continues, with experts warning common items like receipts and certain packaging are often sent to landfill instead of being recycled. Packaging shift: Footprint has bought Transcend Packaging’s PE-free hot and cold cups, aiming to cut plastic-lined paper waste by using a mineral-based coating made for recycling and home composting. EV charging progress (Scotland): New figures show Scotland leading on public EV charging points per head, with South Lanarkshire among the areas expanding access. North Sea energy tension: Scotland’s First Minister says North Sea decisions must be compatible with net zero, as ministers weigh Rosebank and Jackdaw amid rising political pressure. Aviation decarbonisation: Bristol Airport is set to host a liquid hydrogen flight demonstration before the end of the decade, backed by UK government funding to test hydrogen as a commercial fuel. Plastic tree-tube clean-up: The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust says it has diverted about 85 tonnes of used plastic tree shelters from landfill by building a national collection and recycling network.

Drought Watch: North Wales and the Upper Severn have become the first UK regions to be officially declared in drought, with July rainfall at just a few per cent of normal and hosepipe bans hitting 23 million people as rivers dry and wildfire risk rises. Water Pollution: Almost all sewage spills in England’s waterways may have been illegal, a scientist says, arguing many releases happened in “normal” weather under rules that should have stopped them. Plastic Fallout: Cleanup is under way after an estimated one billion nurdles spilled into the River Tyne following a Port of Tyne collision, with the Environment Agency investigating and pointing to a likely bill for responsible parties. Local Cleanliness: Gateshead is sending antisocial behaviour teams to tackle residents leaving bins out after collections, citing vermin, fire risk and blocked access. Climate Politics: Reform-led Wakefield Council has scrapped its 2030 net-zero target and related climate commitments, saying resources should go to actions it can deliver locally. Energy & Security: The Houthis claim attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising risks for global energy supplies. UK Defence: The British Army’s Kenya training has been banned amid a row over powers to prosecute UK troops.