William Eichler 26 June 2023

London’s consumption-based emissions not decreasing fast enough

London’s consumption-based emissions not decreasing fast enough image
Image: MagicBones / Shutterstock.com.

The emissions created by the lifestyles of Londoners have decreased each year but much more needs to be done if net zero targets are to be met, the capital’s local authority chiefs have said.

A new report commissioned by London Councils, ReLondon and the GLA, and carried out by the University of Leeds, showed that the average Londoners’ household consumption-based emissions have decreased by 49%.

This is due largely to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and the decarbonisation of the UK electricity sector.

London Councils, ReLondon and the GLA welcome the reduction of consumption-based emissions, but warn the pace is not fast enough to meet the target of reducing consumption-based emissions by two thirds by 2030.

This target, focusing on food, textiles, electronics and plastics, has been adopted by the One World Living climate change programme led by the London Borough of Harrow on behalf of London Councils.

Mayor Philip Glanville, London Councils executive lead for Climate, Transport and Environment, said: ‘Even though London’s population has increased drastically since 2001, there has been a huge amount of effort from boroughs to support Londoners in reducing their household consumption-based emissions, as highlighted in today’s report. However, there is still much more to do in order to reduce harmful emissions across London.

‘The report gives us a fantastic understanding of the lifestyles of London’s incredibly diverse communities. It is essential we build on this data and continue to develop strategies that will make it easier for Londoners to shift towards low carbon, greener and healthier lifestyles. Our One World Living programme, led by LB Harrow, aims to build on this by boosting the circular economy and encouraging sustainable consumption and production.

‘London is a leading global city and we are responsible for the impact of emissions we produce. We are committed to building a sustainable future for every Londoner by finding inclusive solutions to reducing consumption-based emissions across the capital.’

If this story was of interest, check out our feature, 'Cleaner air for those that need it most'.

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner