Unless we change direction, we are likely to end up where we are
going - Chinese proverb
Most scientists now agree that greenhouse gas emissions from
human activity cause global warming and that radically cutting
emissions is necessary to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.
The issue of climate change is becoming more and more pressing
and has achieved prominence in national and
international politics.
The City of London Corporation is taking steps to reduce its own
emissions, as well as looking at the wider community and providing
help and advice to reduce the Square Mile's overall greenhouse gas
emissions. In 2008/09, the City of London was awarded
Beacon Status for its work on tackling
climate change.
A carbon footprint of the Square Mile has been calculated and
helps the City understand where to focus its attention.
Download the City of London Carbon Footprint
report (480kb)
Climate Change Mitigation
Strategy
The Climate Change Mitigation Strategy sets out how City of
London Corporation plans to catalyse action to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in the Square Mile and beyond.
Download the Climate Change Mitigation
Strategy (1 MB)
Climate Change Adaptation
Whilst it is absolutely essential that we continue to
cut and offset our carbon emissions, we must also plan for the
now inevitable effects of climate change, which are caused by past
emissions. The City of London therefore has developed a climate
change adaptation strategy.
Download the City of London's updated Climate
Change Adaptation Strategy (1.8mb),
published in 2010
Download the City of London's original
Climate Adaptation Strategy (1.1mb),
published in 2007
Heatwave advice
The City is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves due to the
"Urban Heat-Island Effect"- concrete and stone absorb heat during
the day and release it at night creating temperature which are up
to eight degrees higher than the surrounding countryside. Whilst
recently we have had a succession of disappointing summers, the
City does occasionally experience days when it gets uncomfortably
hot. There are places, scattered across the Square Mile, where you
can find refuge from the heat -
explore them here.
Further information
On these internet pages, you will find
general information on climate change, information on the
City of London Corporation's actions to reduce its greenhouse
gas emissions,
advice for businesses wishing to reduce their emissions and
advice for individuals wishing to take some steps to save money
and the environment. There is also information on
government policy and regulation, including the
Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).
For further information about the government's agenda with
regards to climate change, please visit the websites of the
Department of
Energy and Climate Change.
For any further questions, you can contact the City of
London's Sustainability Unit by sending an email to
sustainability@cityoflondon.gov.uk
or phoning 020 7332 1431 or 020 7332 1428.