Learn about the climate crisis
What is climate change? Climate change is the long-term change to temperature and weather patterns. Since the industrial revolution in the 1850s the average temperature has risen by 1C. This is due to human activity such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels currently create most of the energy that powers our lives – from the electricity and heat used in our homes and workplaces, to the fuel used in transport, and the industrial processes that create our food, clothes, building materials and everyday products. Burning fossil fuels releases “greenhouse” gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides. Over time, large quantities of these gases have built up in the atmosphere, forming a blanket around the planet that traps heat from the sun and causes the earth to heat up. What are the impacts of climate change? We are already seeing the impact of global heating, including more extreme weather, heatwaves, flooding, melting of polar ice and crop-failure. Human activity is also causing other changes to earth’s natural systems, including air pollution, water pollution, loss of biodiversity and the extinction of plant and animal species. These changes increase the risks of climate change and reduce our ability to respond. This is why we often refer to this as a climate crisis. For more information about climate change at a global and national scale visit the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC) pages. Check out this poster – What is Climate Change? What can we do about it? Experts believe that we have an opportunity to stop and reverse some of these changes but will have to adapt to others. Scientists suggest that we must limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. Climate action means both cutting carbon emissions to reduce the risk of climate change (mitigation) and improving our ability to respond to the impacts (adaptation). Alice Bell, from Possible climate change charity explains more. Check out this poster – What is net zero? What are the co-benefits of action? Action on climate change can deliver many other social and economic benefits, including improved health and wellbeing, lower energy bills, green jobs, greater equity and stronger communities. This toolkit from Ashden explains the co-benefits of climate action. Dr Neil Jennings, from the Grantham Institute on Climate Change explains more What is climate justice? Climate justice means addressing the climate crisis while also making progress towards a fairer future for all. Given the UK’s historic contribution to climate change this means supporting other nations in their pathways to net zero. Tessa Khan, from Uplift, explains Sign up here to stay informed or email sustainability@lambeth.gov.uk |
Learn about climate crisis in Lambeth
Where do emissions in Lambeth come from? The biggest contributor to carbon emissions in Lambeth (over 40%) is our homes, followed by the industrial and commercial sector (34%) and then transport (about 25%). Within housing, almost 70% of emissions come from gas use and almost 30% from electricity use. Carbon emissions per person in Lambeth have fallen by nearly 45% between 2005 and 2017. This is similar to the Greater London average. We’re making progress but we still face a big challenge to reach net zero. The council’s operations contribute to a small percentage of the overall borough-wide emissions. This means the council plays an important leadership and enabling role, but everyone in the borough needs to act together to reduce carbon emissions. How does climate change affect Lambeth? The main risks in Lambeth are rising temperatures, heatwaves, flooding and poor air quality. Lambeth is the 5th most densely populated borough in England and Wales and 70% of people live in flats, many with limited access to green space. This means our residents are more at risk of heat exposure than people living in rural areas. Flooding: Climate change is expected to cause more frequent and intense rainfall in England. Almost 3,000 homes in Lambeth are at high risk of flooding from surface water. Air Pollution: Increasing temperatures will worsen air pollution, which is already a significant issue in Lambeth, affecting our health and environment. Groups who are most at risk are the very young, older people, people with disabilities, people with underlying physical or mental health conditions and people on low incomes. This means climate change could worsen existing vulnerabilities and inequalities. Watch Councillor Claire Holland explaining more Check out this poster – Why has Lambeth Council declared a Climate Emergency? What is Lambeth council doing about it? In January 2019, Lambeth became the first London council to declare a climate emergency and committed to become carbon neutral by 2030. Lambeth are delivering a range of projects to:
The council can play a leadership role and use its planning, delivery, lobbying and regulatory powers to influence change. But it doesn’t have the power or the solutions to significantly reduce carbon emissions across the borough alone. This is why the Climate Assembly was set up to develop a set of recommendations for the wider borough. Sign up here to stay informed or email sustainability@lambeth.gov.uk |
Discover local organisations acting on the climate crisis
Many people, organisations and businesses in Lambeth are already exploring more sustainable lives and ways of working. The videos and case studies below show inspiring local actions to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, create clean energy, reduce waste, grow healthy local food, improve biodiversity, and much more. These show how climate action can deliver many social and economic benefits, known as ‘co-benefits’, like improved health and wellbeing, lower energy bills, green jobs, greater equity and stronger communities. Video: Bex Trevalyan, Founder, Library of Things Find out more about Library of Things. Video: Nick Amin & Kate Crawford, Transition Town Brixton Find out more about Transition Town Brixton. These videos also provide more inspiring examples in Lambeth. Residents have contributed to a Climate Action Map, so you can find your nearest initiative Sign up here to stay informed or email sustainability@lambeth.gov.uk |
Take action
Together in Lambeth, we will need to develop and deliver solutions to reduce carbon emissions from energy, buildings, industry, transport and waste. We will also need to build the resilience of our neighbourhoods and communities to cope with rising temperatures, increased flood risk, and poor air quality. Find out your personal carbon footprint with CCF and follow their practical steps here. Check out this poster – Climate Action Posters How can I reduce my emissions from transport?
Video: Sam Longhorn, Head of Corporate Environment, TfL Video: Rob Whitehead, Director of Strategic Projects, Centre for London If you want to find out more email cycling@lambeth.gov.uk How can I reduce my energy use in the home?
Video: Afsheen Rasid, Co-Founder, Repowering London, on community energy Video: Lauren Snoxell, Senior Policy Researcher, Citizens’ Advice on switching to renewables If you are suffering from fuel poverty in Lambeth, email Tom Tyson TTyson@lambeth.gov.uk for more guidance. How can my business reduce energy use? Calculate your business’s carbon footprint
Video: Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group on businesses getting to net zero Information for small businesses from the FSB We’re working towards developing further guidance for businesses wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. In the meantime please email Enterprise@lambeth.gov.uk What else can individuals do?
Sign up here to stay informed or email sustainability@lambeth.gov.uk |