The climate crisis poses the greatest challenge to our capital, our country, and the entire world. The only way to limit global warming to 1.5C is to commit to further and faster action by cities and countries.
To achieve net zero, we must work together, across political divides, to clean up our rivers and air, insulate our homes, unlock a revolution in renewable power, and end our toxic dependence on polluting transport.
There was record-breaking weather in London last summer, which resulted in wildfires and the busiest day for the London fire brigade since the Blitz. We saw flooding the year before, which left tube stations flooded, roads impassable, and people losing their homes. National and local leadership is so important because all of these things are trailers for a movie we don't want to watch.
As part of the net zero reviews, published earlier this year, local leaders are recognized for their important role in achieving this goal. In addition, the review clarified that achieving net zero isn't just about avoiding climate catastrophe, but also about reaping the economic benefits of green economic growth as well.
We are both determined to keep London at the forefront of international climate change since it is the capital of green finance and trading. This is especially true of megacities such as London. We would like London and the UK to lead the way as much as possible. To help inspire and lead global action, we are leveraging the power of the C40 network of global cities.
In London, we have already witnessed considerable advancement. The city has put in place the largest collection of electric buses in western Europe, raised the number of defended bike lanes fivefold since 2016, expended tens of millions to make buildings energy efficient, and provided unprecedented investments in green jobs, skills, and infrastructure as part of its green new deal. Great strides have been made owing to the certainty set by law for achieving net zero nationwide as well as London's purposefulness in sprinting ahead of other cities by bringing forward its net zero objectives to 2030.
Neither of us has any illusions that our goals will be easy to achieve. The same old naysayers in politics and punditry may have stopped overtly questioning the science of climate change, yet they remain hostile to the actual action needed to prevent it from destroying our world. Climate delayers are on the rise.
There are still those who seem to think we should put off plans for renewable power, despite the Ukraine war revealing another reason to reject fossil fuel dependency. A small group of anti-green campaigners in London have been opposing the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) - a policy proven to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Some Londoners are indeed concerned about Ulez. Particularly at this time when the cost of living is so high, they are concerned about what it might mean for them. That’s why there must be help for those who need it, with a large scrappage scheme for low-income Londoners, small businesses, charities, and disabled Londoners.
Ulez was first introduced in 2019 because it was unacceptable to maintain the status quo of allowing highly polluting vehicles to pump out toxic fumes, leading to premature deaths and a range of illnesses. So far, the Ulez has improved the air for 4 million Londoners. However, we must continue to reduce carbon emissions and protect the health of all Londoners.
Although such changes can be uncomfortable, they are necessary if we want to make our cities cleaner, healthier places to live, work, and raise children.
As a result of the net zero reviews, it was clear that combating climate change and air pollution will lead to multiple benefits, including saving our health and social care sector £5.3bn by 2035. Without action, cities around the world are increasingly concerned about their population's welfare, and London is no exception.
We should be proud of the commitments shown by mayors as part of the C40 network of major cities, and the international commitment to tackle climate change we've agreed on in recent years. However, treaties and agreements are nothing without implementation -- something we have seen in London recently. Therefore, we must remain determined to move forward and overcome any obstacles set by doubters and delayers. Working together across political lines is vital in successfully addressing climate change.
We are setting an example of how things can be done, by working together to demonstrate to investors that net zero is a great opportunity and that London welcomes it. We hope to inspire other governments, in the UK and abroad, to break away from tribalism and put our people and planet first. Our effort is also driven by younger generations who rightly want more urgent action. Together we stand united in proving that our citizens and colleagues can make positive changes for everybody’s future.
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