Environmental priorities and challenges for Sadiq Khan's Mayoralty

The London Assembly Environment Committee has taken evidence on the environmental challenges and priorities facing Mayor Sadiq Khan's administration.

The Committee heard from external stakeholders and environmental experts, from the Deputy Mayor for Transport, and from the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy.

A number of issues have emerged:

Air pollution

• This is London's major and ongoing public health challenge.
• The Committee has submitted responses to the first two consultations which suggest ways in which current proposals could be improved.
• Efforts should be made to reduce PM_2.5 levels to below the minimum requirement.

Carbon emissions and energy use

• The majority of the Committee see an urgent need to achieve faster progress in reducing carbon emissions across London and welcome the priority placed on this goal.
• The majority of the Committee consider there to be a significant funding opportunity in heat networks. These should be promoted and developers should be helped to include them.

Waste management, recycling and the circular economy

• There are a number of excellent business opportunities in the transition to a circular economy and this should be at the heart of the Mayor's economic strategy.
• There is an urgent need for the Mayor's waste strategy to minimise incineration as well as landfill and to break out of the recent stagnation in recycling rates.
• To support recycling, the Mayor should work with local authorities and others to explore the potential for more consistent recycling collections.

Water management

• London has an urgent need to reduce the risk of surface water flooding causing widespread property damage and likely loss of life in the event of a severe rainstorm.
• Policies should also be developed to tackle the severe risk of drought and the pressure on London's water supply as the population grows.

The green environment

• The Committee notes the Mayor's commitment to London's green infrastructure, but more innovative and strategic management is needed.