London Councils has announced that boroughs across the capital are investing in the next phase of measures to tackle the climate emergency.
Through London Councils’ Climate Programme, £2 million will be invested by boroughs as they look to tackle the climate crisis, with the programme being developed from the boroughs’ own Joint Statement on Climate Change. This committed boroughs to following through with a number of programmes that will address some of the most pressing issues relating to the climate.
Funding will be invested over the course of the next two years, with this enabling boroughs across London to reduce carbon emissions, continue to work towards net zero, and improve air quality – with this bringing health and economic benefits across the city.
There are seven themes to the Climate Programme, with these being led by at least one borough, supporting collaboration as the city works towards climate goals. These themes are:
- Retrofit London – Increasing the number of homes that are retrofitted to EPC B or above through scaled retrofitting across London. This will be led by London Borough of Enfield and London Borough of Waltham Forest.
- Low Carbon Development – Strengthening the delivery of low carbon buildings and supporting boroughs to be leaders in low carbon development, which will be led by London Borough of Hackney.
- Low Carbon Transport – Working to halve road journeys that are made by petrol and diesel vehicles between 2019 and 2030, being led by Royal Borough of Kingston and the City of Westminster.
- Renewable Power for London – Securing 100% renewable energy for the public sector in London for the present and the future.
- One World Living – Reducing consumption emissions by two thirds, with this focusing on food, clothing, electronics, and plastics. This will be led by London Borough of Harrow.
- Building the Green Economy – Doubling the size of London’s green economy by 2030, with London Borough of Hounslow leading.
- Creating a Resilient and Green London – Developing a strong shared vision for an environmentally, social and economically resilient London, being led by London Borough of Southwark and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Cllr Deirdre Costigan, said:
“We must act on the climate emergency now. There are great opportunities for private investment in net zero and green jobs and growth to be had, but commitment over the next two years is critical. Choices made in London today about urban infrastructure, upskilling workers and supporting communities to live more sustainably will determine the extent and impact of the climate emergency across our capital.
“London’s boroughs are committed to rapid action to tackle the climate emergency, from tackling air pollution to addressing flooding and energy insecurity. We know that London, as the biggest city in the UK, has a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions and this will underpin our future prosperity. This Climate Programme and boroughs’ £2 million pledge is essential to safeguarding London’s future.
“The Climate Programme has made real headway over the last few years to achieve a greener, cleaner and healthier London for all our communities and boroughs are committed to continuing this progress.”
Image credit: iStock
