Responding to the warnings laid out in the latest report by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) , Mayor Philip Glanville, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said:
“Climate change is happening before our very eyes. The latest report from the UN warns of increasingly extreme heatwaves, droughts and flooding, and a key global temperature limit being exceeded in just over a decade. This means that the recent flooding and heatwaves we have seen across London and the disruption this brings are in danger of becoming more frequent and if left unchecked will continue to negatively impact on the lives of Londoners.
“This report is a stark warning that the time to act is now. London boroughs are already supporting local residents and businesses in their ambitions to decrease harmful carbon emissions and build greater resilience to climate change. This includes delivering active travel campaigns and powering buildings using 100% renewable energy.
“But we need government to champion the role local councils are playing in achieving national climate goals. London boroughs are ready and determined to do all we can, but we need a framework and resources to deliver on the scale of the emergency that the science sets out. Our priorities include ensuring we make a just transition to a zero carbon future, and collaborating with government and local communities to create effective place-based responses that reflect the views and concerns of our communities.
“It is essential we build a sustainable future for our city and contribute to tackling the global climate emergency. Boroughs are committed to putting our diverse communities at the heart of finding solutions to the biggest challenge of our lifetime.”
ENDS