T here is no greater challenge facing our capital, our country and our world than the climate crisis. The only way we can keep the hope of limiting global heating to 1.5C is if we commit to further and faster action as cities and countries.
That’s why we must work together wherever possible – across the political divide – to help achieve net zero by cleaning up our rivers and air, insulating our homes, unlocking a revolution in renewable power and ending our toxic reliance on polluting vehicles.
Last summer, London faced record-breaking 40C weather, causing wildfires and the busiest day for the London fire brigade since the blitz. The year before, we saw the devastating impact of flooding, leaving tube stations filled with water, roads impassable and people losing their homes. All these things are a trailer for a movie we really don’t want to watch, which is why national and local leadership is so important.
The net zero review, published earlier this year, serves as a critical blueprint for success in this mission, and it recognises the important role of local leaders. But the review also made clear that reaching net zero is not just about avoiding climate catastrophe, but about grasping the opportunity to reap the economic benefits of green economic growth.
This is especially true of megacities, such as London. London is the capital of green finance and trading and we are both determined to keep London at the forefront of the international climate movement. We want London and the UK to lead the way as much as possible. This includes continuing to leverage the power of the C40 network of global cities to help inspire and spearhead global action.
In London, we have already seen significant progress. The city has delivered
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