Revealed: Two thirds of Londoners have increased level of climate change concern

A new poll commissioned by London Councils has revealed that two-thirds of Londoners (66%) have had an increased level of concern about climate change in the last 12 months.

In the second year of research polling by London Councils to gauge Londoners’ understanding of climate change and the effect it has on their lives, polling showed the vast majority of Londoners (82%) are concerned about climate change.

This figure is identical to Londoners’ response to the poll last year, showing that Londoners recognise that the climate emergency remains a threat that must be addressed imminently.

Furthermore, despite the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of people who responded saying their day-to-day decisions are influenced by climate change has increased from 59% to 61% over the last 12 months.

The polling showed that expense is a current barrier which prohibited respondents from choosing greener energy or heating options.  Over a third (37%) said it was too expensive to pay more for a greener heating option, and 29% said it was too expensive to replace gas heating with a lower carbon option, while 16% said they wouldn’t understand how to do this.

Boroughs are leading collaborative efforts to develop new sources of funding to meet Net Zero. London Councils has established the Cities Climate Investment Commission with Core Cities and Connected Place Catapult, which will attract large scale capital investment to support substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions.

The polling found that Londoners are already undertaking a number of actions that help to reduce their carbon footprint and some of these changes can be made at a low or even cheaper cost.

A third of Londoners (33%) are going meat free once a week with nearly half of respondents (48%) saying they would or might consider doing so.

Mayor Philip Glanville, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “London boroughs are committed to listening to our residents and playing a leading role tackling the climate emergency.

“We are working with our communities and partners to inform and collaborate on green projects that embed a more just transition. We support people who wish to make greener choices, but we need more engagement and financial assurances from government if all our local communities are to make the transition to a low-carbon way of life.

“The survey has also highlighted anxiety over the financial cost of helping to prevent climate change, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic; we must see government and private sector action to help address these costs.”

He added: “We must ensure there is no false choice between economic and climate resilience, especially going into the Winter with rising fuel costs.

“With huge consensus on making a low carbon way of life a priority, we must listen to Londoners and act now to safeguard the future of our capital’s environment.

“Is it vital that we work in partnership to transform London into a city that is greener, more equal, healthy and sustainable for all Londoners and our diverse communities.”