Climate change
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level.” (Climate Change Synthesis Report, 2007). The report states that “there is very high confidence that the net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming”. The IPCC predicts that rising temperatures will be accompanied by many other changes to the Earth system, affecting food and water supplies, human health, biodiversity and the economy.
The Stern Review for the Chancellor on the ‘Economics of Climate Change’, published in November 2006, demonstrated the economic case for acting now to avert climate change. Whilst unabated climate change could cost the world at least 5% of GDP each year and as much as 20% of GDP if more dramatic
predictions come to pass, the cost of reducing emissions could be limited to around 1% of global GDP.
The effects of climate change on London are already visible and include higher temperatures in summer and winter aggravated by the Urban Heat Island effect,
wetter winters, drier summers and extra pressure on London's water resources. Climate change will increase the probability of surface water flooding whilst new developments will increase the consequence of this flooding. By the middle of the century, London is predicted to experience heat wave conditions in two out of three summers.
As well as adapting to the climate change already in the system (“climate change adaptation”), we all need to take urgent action to prevent further warming (“climate change mitigation”).
Fighting climate change in Camden
Local authorities are uniquely placed to act on tackling climate change due to their understanding of local priorities, risks and opportunities. As well as taking action on their own estates and operations, they can: promote greater energy
efficiency and sustainable energy through their roles in local planning, transport, housing and education; and reach out to their wider communities and encourage other local service providers to take action.
We have ambitious carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction targets and are implementing numerous initiatives to meet these, such as:
- a borough-wide insulation programme
- development of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) in Camden. Producing energy through CHP produces around 30% less CO2 per kilowatt hour than traditional power plants
- promoting energy efficiency amongst businesses and residents through the Climate Change Alliance and our Small steps, big difference campaign.
To find out more, please see our Environmental sustainability delivery plan: