Michael Meacher, Environment Minister, and Mayor Ken Livingstone
launched the London Climate Change Impacts study report at City
Hall on the 24th October 2002. Initiated by the Government Office
for London's Sustainable Development Unit, the study was commissioned
by the Greater London Authority on behalf of the London Climate
Change partnership.
The significance of the study was its strong
urban focus. In a world where an increasing proportion of
people live in cities, the importance of urban climate change
has taken on greater significance. London, as a major world
city, impacts far beyond its immediate locale.
"Climate change will impact on every aspect
of life in the city, from the way we work to the look of our
parks and gardens," said the Mayor.
Among the study's main findings it was found that:
London is exposed to greater potential damage from flooding
than any other urban area in the UK.
London may be particularly sensitive to temperature increases
in the future.
London is vulnerable to the financial impacts of global climate
change.
London is one of the driest capital cities in the world.
The launch was a great opportunity to highlight the major
environmental affects of climate change. The opening speeches
by Michael Meacher and Ken Livingstone were well received,
and both answered questions from the floor, which ranged from
the impact of global warming on frogs to potential flooding
risks for the development at Thames Gateway.
Mr Meacher said: 'The UK is leading the way in identifying
the effects which climate change will have on all parts of
the country, including our capital city. Some climate change
is now inevitable, so we are going to have to adapt.'
The next step for the London Climate Change Partnership is to ensure
that climate change is incorporated into the decision-making process,
in order for London to respond to the major challenges presented
by global warming.
Further Information
For more information please contact Belinda
Davis, telephone 020 7217 3053
