20% Of London Schools, 200,000 Homes & Businesses At Severe Flood Risk As Warming Continues
A fifth of London’s schools are now susceptible to flooding and millions of people living in the capital are at “high risk” of suffering from the effects of the climate crisis, according to analysis from City Hall, as Sadiq Khan warns time is running out to tackle the issue. In a speech on Thursday, the London mayor is due to pile pressure on the UK government to ensure bold action is taken when it hosts world leaders for Cop26 in Glasgow in two months’ time, and add that without a significant commitment there will be “catastrophic” impacts on the environment and air quality.
The outcome of the UN conference will “determine whether we are going to avert the worst consequences of climate change, which could be devastating”, Khan is expected to say, alongside the launch of a public awareness campaign designed to encourage residents, communities and businesses in London to do their bit.
Figures have been published by the London mayor’s office showing that 200,000 homes and workplaces, as well as 25% of rail stations in the capital and 10% of the network, are at high risk of flooding if extreme temperatures and flooding get worse. The six boroughs at the highest risk are Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Brent, Tower Hamlets and Newham.
London needs to become “greener, fairer and more prosperous for everyone”, the mayor will say, defending the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone up to the North and South Circular – taking in about 3.8 million people – that will come into force from 25 October. City Hall calculated the move would reduce road nitrogen oxides emissions by about 30%.
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https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/sep/23/climate-crisis-fifth-london-schools-susceptible-flooding-sadiq-khan