London’s political leaders are failing to take seriously their responsibility to protect the capital from climate change as thousands take to the streets in a call for action.
They argue that the Mayor Boris Johnsons’ refusal to listen to the opinions of the scientific community and take steps to cut London’s carbon emissions and invest in renewable energies means the capital is being left behind in the race to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Their warning comes as more than 40,000 people take part in a mass climate rally in central London today. The demonstration is being supported by protests across the world and has been organised to send a clear message to world leaders on the need to act on climate change ahead of major climate talks taking place later this year in Paris.
Co-Chair of the London Green Party Caroline Allen said:
“We are privileged to live in one of the richest cities in the one of the richest countries in the world. And yet, despite that, London is shamefully falling behind the efforts being made by other communities across the globe to tackle climate change. Our climate sceptic Mayor seems determined to allow Londoner’s health to suffer, our river levels to rise, and our homes, parks, gardens, and buildings to be put at risk of flooding rather than take any one of the actions that could help us reduce emissions and protect our city.”
Caroline’s Co-Chair Tom Chance said:
“Climate change is just one area where the Green Party believes our current crop of politicians are simply not doing enough to act in the public interest. We have the means to tackle climate change, we just need the political willpower. Greens have that willpower. Already Greens in London have helped reduce the city’s emissions by securing investment from the London Assembly to refurbish homes and offices, cutting their energy wastage, and by piloting a new travel scheme that helps people swap their cars for public transport tickets.
“And with the resources London has at its disposal, there is still so much more that we can do. From investing in a world-class, low-emission public transport system, to rolling out home insulation so that everyone can have warm, energy efficient homes we could and should be doing much more to tackle climate change head-on and create a stable and sustainable society. As today’s demonstration makes clear: now is the time to act.”
The “Time to Act” demonstration has been organised by the Campaign Against Climate Change. The protest in London begins at 12:30 with a march from Lincoln Inn Fields ending outside parliament where crowds will be addressed by a range of speakers including Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, the comedian Francesca Martinez, the activist Naomi Klein, and comedian and author Russell Brand.