Cost of Inaction in Tackling the Climate Emergency

Léonie Cooper AM moved and Bassam Mahfouz AM seconded the following motion:

“The London Assembly notes that London is already paying the cost of inaction in tackling the climate emergency.

Data shows that to August this year it has already cost the London Fire Brigade alone more than £1m to respond to excess flood and wildfire events caused by our changing climate. This is not including the millions more in damages to homes, businesses and public services.

The Assembly notes the significant efforts already taken by the Mayor in response to the climate emergency. This includes his commissioning of the landmark London Climate Resilience Review, establishment of the Climate Fund to progress decarbonisation efforts and the continued greening of London through planting over 570,000 trees and financing sustainable drainage systems.

Given that this summer London experienced four separate heatwaves, this Assembly appreciates the action taken by the Mayor to bring forward an Excess Heat Strategy by spring 2026. With more than 50% of our housing stock at risk of overheating, rising to 75% for social rent homes, this strategy is urgently needed without delay.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor to continue to champion much needed action towards climate resilience across the city and to work with the government and alternative funding sources to procure greater up-front investment – reducing risks to people and nature as well as pressures on the public purse in the years ahead.”

Following debate, and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed with 14 votes being cast in favour and 8 votes being cast against.