London Climate Resilience Review – by Alderman Alison Gowman

The Mayor of London set up the London Climate Resilience Review last year and this has now issued an interim report. Led by Emma Howard Boyd who was the principal speaker at the LCAG Annual Conference in July 2023, there are twenty recommendations and lots of challenging issues to consider. The proposals are for consultation and so you are able to comment and assist with points to be submitted before February 16th.  The Report is accessed here  The London Climate Resilience Review | London City Hall

The points of particular relevance to the Livery and the City of London centre on the main purpose of the report which is to consider resilience in our infrastructure and the adaptation needed.  Whilst the City Corporation set hard targets are around carbon emissions there is clearly parallel work needed to ensure that the impact of heat, water restrictions and waste management are also factored into actions and plans.  The Report emphasises the need for collaboration between national and local Government and the private sector who together need to ensure clear strategic vision.  Any spending plans need to be tested again climate risks and expenditure needs to be increased around climate resilience.  We have heard how temperatures in London will mirror those currently in Barcelona and will regularly  be at 40 degrees centigrade. Those most at risk are the poorest and living in substandard conditions and likely with health issues already – including from bad air quality. There is a strong risk of flooding and the use of sustainable urban drainage needs to be improved to manage surface water and contain water for future use.  Financing these projects needs to be expertly assessed and funds used wisely.

Please look at the details in the report and consider your response and add to the consultation.

Alderman Alison Gowman