The recent floods in Bangladesh and the wildfires in Canada demonstrate that the danger we face from climate change is immediate and real.
The UN Secretary General made a recent speech calling for immediate global action to avert climate catastrophe, noting that the current collective response is “pitiful” and setting out the need to accelerate the just transition to a green economy.
Because of this, the London Assembly is today calling on the Mayor to lobby the Government to ensure that the right framework is in place, to enable a just transition to a sustainable economy.
Léonie Cooper AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“The UN Secretary General has issued another stark warning about the climate catastrophe, yet the collective global response remains ‘pitiful’.
“We need bold and drastic action on all fronts to avert the catastrophe and the Mayor has been taking action.
“However, so much more needs to be done. We’re calling on the Government to get the right framework in place to enable the transition to Net Zero – and for the Mayor to bring best practice from other C40 Cities to London.
“By bringing all these strands of together, we can play our part in averting the climate crisis.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes the recent speech made by the Secretary General of the UN where he calls for immediate global action to avert climate catastrophe, notes that the current collective response is “pitiful” and sets out the need to accelerate the just transition to a green economy.
The Assembly also notes the recent floods in Bangladesh, as well as the wildfires in Canada which saw dramatic pollution affecting the eastern seaboard of the United States. These examples demonstrate that the danger we face is immediate and real.
We echo the call made by the UN’s Secretary General. Action is needed on all fronts to avert complete climate disaster – more needs to be done at all levels.
The Assembly commends the Mayor’s ambitious 2030 Net Zero target and his introduction of the London-wide ULEZ and climate budgeting to track further carbon emissions reductions for London.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor to ensure his entire policy programme is consistent with the ambition of his 2030 Net Zero target.
We call on the Mayor to join this Assembly in lobbying central Government to ensure that the right framework is in place to enable a just transition to a sustainable economy, including making sure London has enough funding and devolved power to facilitate a green transition, and getting businesses on board who can assist with making the transition a reality.
We also call on the Mayor to urgently explore whether any further examples of good practice from other C40 Cities can be used in London, for example converting legacy district heating systems from fossil fuels, as has been done in Vancouver, or using procurement to promote Climate Positive industrial spaces, as has been done in Sydney.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Léonie Cooper AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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