In 2022, the Mayor of London set an ambitious target of making
London 'net zero' by 2030, a full twenty years ahead of the
national target. However, with five years until 2030, London is
currently not on track to meet the target.
Achieving the Mayor's 2030 net zero target will require Londoners
to see the benefits of changes, which is why the London
Assembly Environment Committee is calling on the Mayor
to set out a public engagement strategy and innovate further
public engagement approaches to help London reach the ambitious
target.
Involving Londoners in the pathway to Net Zero by 2030 –
published today highlights key findings from the
Committee's investigation into progress on the Mayor's net zero
2030 target.
Throughout its investigation, Committee Members heard that while
it is important to be honest about challenges, and the work to
overcome them, it is also important to clearly communicate the
range of benefits that new approaches can bring.
Key recommendations in the report include:
- The Mayor should publish a net zero dashboard, updated at
least annually, reporting progress on a set of key indicators and
milestone actions to track progress on the emissions pathway to
net zero by 2030.
- By October 2025, the Mayor should set out a public engagement
strategy for net zero, co-ordinated with London Councils, with
funding allocated to ensure that representative voices from all
parts of the capital and backgrounds are heard in discussions
about London's climate challenges.
- The Mayor should innovate further in public engagement
approaches, and give Londoners a greater role in how money is
spent through participatory budgeting.
Zack Polanski AM, Chair of the London
Assembly Environment Committee, said:
“The Mayor's 2030 net zero target for London is highly
ambitious, but the figures show that we are currently not on
track to meet that goal.
“This is a critical time to accelerate London's
transformation to a cleaner, greener city, and the Mayor needs to
work with Londoners to bring about the changes needed
.
“There is an opportunity to bring about a transition that
improves the city for everyone, with cleaner travel , and saving
Londoners money in powering their homes – but meaningful
engagement will be essential.
“Highlighting the opportunities and understanding the
challenges to balancing London's emissions will be hugely
beneficial, to help Londoners to make the necessary adaptations,
but they need support from the Mayor and Government along the
way.
“Our report highlights some key steps the Mayor can take to
help provide the boost needed to push London towards net zero
carbon, but action must be taken urgently.”
