Climate change is having an effect on the UK. In Southwark, total emissions from carbon dioxide are 1,074 kilotonnes (the same as produced by one million plane flights from London to New York).
We estimate that:
We're working to make Southwark carbon neutral by 2030.
Our climate resilience and adaptation strategy identifies five climate threats and how we're tackling them in Southwark.
As an inner-London borough, Southwark is at risk of overheating. Higher temperatures have an effect on physical and mental health. They place a strain on public services and create wildfires that are a risk to life. So we'll:
The Thames Barrier protects us from tidal surges. Southwark is low-lying and vulnerable to rising sea levels. Excessive rain floods soak-aways, causing flash floods. So we'll:
London already suffers water supply issues but climate-related droughts threaten future water reserves. So we'll:
The UK imports 40% of its food. Food insecurity globally rises due to climate change. Price increases and inequality grow in Southwark. So we'll:
As our climate changes, we are seeing pests and diseases thrive in new and unexpected ways. These pests and diseases are a threat to us, as well as to our plants and wildlife. So we'll:
The impact of climate change is not felt evenly. Those who are vulnerable or who have the least resources are often the most affected. Tackling climate change is a matter of social justice and environmental action. That's why the core values of our strategy are: