|
|
 |
| |
Deputy Mayor Nicky Gavron |
Climate change must be tackled in our cities
Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London, says London must lead the way in tackling the causes of climate change
TACKLING climate change in cities is the world’s number one priority. It’s here that the battle against climate change will be won – or lost.
Half of the world’s population lives in urban areas and consumes three-quarters of the world’s energy. Cities and towns produce 80 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases, which cause global warming.
River-based cities like London are especially vulnerable to flash flooding, heat waves, water shortages and rising sea-levels. We have only a small window of opportunity before we trigger runaway climate change.
City leaders have the opportunity to cut harmful emissions through the way they run their buildings and vehicle fleets, and through the planning decisions they make. It is for these reasons that the Mayor and I have made tackling climate change our overriding political imperative.
We recognise that the world’s cities need to work together to accelerate action. So the Mayor and I have initiated C40 – the Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, which is committed to speeding up action to reduce harmful emissions. We are working in close partnership with former US President Bill Clinton’s Climate Initiative.
Last week, we met with more than 30 mayors from the world’s largest and most influential cities – including Sao Paolo, Berlin, Tokyo, Bangkok, Delhi and Johannesburg – at the second C40 Climate Summit, in New York, to share what works and brainstorm new ways forward.
Internationally, things are beginning to move. But what about closer to home?
London is a global leader when it comes to climate change. Ken has a proven track record for driving forward pioneering projects like our own congestion charge. He has now raised the bar for cities everywhere with his Climate Change Action Plan, which commits London to reach ambitious reduction targets.
We have been investing heavily in public transport since 2000, and have made walking and cycling attractive alternatives to car-use. The congestion charge has dramatically reduced traffic pollution.
But transport emissions account for only 22 per cent of the total. A staggering 70 per cent comes from powering our buildings, with more than half of this from our homes.
By simply unplugging all appliances, including the TV, when not in use and using energy-efficient light bulbs, we can all make a real difference.
We can go one step further by insulating lofts and walls. To help, we have linked up with British Gas to provide cut-price insulation, with free insulation for people on benefits.
These measures not only cut harmful carbon emissions, they can also save the average London household around £300 a year on energy bills.
There is a lot each of us can do – at home, at work or when we travel.
The world is watching – and if London’s citizens cut their carbon emissions, cities across the globe will join us.
|
 |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
