London Councils pledges commitment to tackling climate change

London's borough leaders have today (Tuesday) declared their commitment to tackling climate change.

A meeting of London Councils Leaders Committee agreed that the organisation, which represents all of the capital's local authorities, should add its support to a national pledge to address climate change.

The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change is a commitment to develop greener policies across many areas, including waste disposal, energy provision and procurement.

Under the declaration, London Councils has also agreed to lead by example in encouraging businesses, firms and public bodies across the capital to become more environmentally friendly.

Climate change could mean that the extreme conditions experienced in the heat wave of 2003 which claimed the lives of 600 people in London, would be considered normal by the 2040s and quite cool by the 2060s.

Improving the environment is a top priority for London's boroughs. Recent council initiatives include more use of electric vehicles as part of council fleets, the provision of special energy saving packs for new homeowners, the promotion of cycling and other green forms of travel, and the installation of wind turbines to generate power for their buildings.

London Councils Executive member for Sustainability, Cllr Sean Brennan, said:

"The impact of climate change is well documented. Local government must lead by example, but unless government, councils, businesses and communities work together there is little chance of reducing our impact on the environment.

Today London Councils has declared its commitment to play a full part in working to reduce climate change and its impact."

Notes to editors

The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change was launched in 2000. Currently over 200 local authorities across the country, including 19 London boroughs, have signed up to it.

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