Community action leads Camden climate review
We have now published the fourth annual review of our Climate Action Plan 2020-2025, our five-year programme responding to the recommendations from our Citizens’ Assembly on the climate crisis.
Since adopting the Climate Action Plan in 2020, we have taken bold action to help tackle the climate crisis, with borough wide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions now 48% below 2005 levels.
Our fourth annual review showcases the breadth and depth of climate action across Camden. I am struck by the high level of community commitment to climate action across Camden which shows how seriously people take this issue.
The review highlights the proactive work that we are undertaking to support our residents and build a more climate resilient Camden that can adapt to a changing climate characterised by increased flood and heat risk.
The fourth Annual Review shows sustained progress across the Climate Action Plan with over 95% of actions either completed or in progress.
Councillor Harrison continued:
“If we are to fully play our part in addressing the climate crisis, we need to become increasingly aware of our personal and organisational impact and cut carbon dioxide wherever possible. We also need to recognise that climate change is happening, and we must build our capacity as a community to adapt to growing climate hazards such as flood and heat risk.
“To shape the future direction of our climate programme we have created a new web-based platform to share the approach we are planning to take to our next Climate Action Plan (2026 – 2030). Please sign up to discover more about the work and to hear about opportunities to get involved.
“My highlights from this review include the funding that we have secured to support our community led programmes, such as the Somers Town Future Neighbourhoods programme
“I’m also delighted that our Camden Climate Fund has supported a range of projects including environmental volunteering activities, bike upcycling initiatives and campaigns promoting energy-saving behaviour, including Calthorpe Community Garden, Yourbikeproject and the GoodGym.
“We have planted a further 618 trees, 18 more than in 2022-23, with other local groups planting a further 151 standard trees and 805 young trees.
“We have also progressed our building retrofit programme, both in residents’ homes and in council buildings, notably with the recent completion of the Highgate Library works.”
Other highlights include:
In 2023-24 we delivered the second phase of our Climate Connectors programme which is leveraging private investment to fund climate projects among schools and community groups. We generated £98,237 of value through funding and volunteering time to deliver projects.
We know that the impacts of climate change are already here, so we need to improve the way we prepare for and respond to extreme weather events brought on by climate change. This includes the roll out of rain gardens in Levita House and Parliament Hill to capture and store excess rainwater while improving biodiversity and offering cool spaces for residents during heatwaves.
We also launched the Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood project which aims to provide a safer, traffic-free neighbourhood – the project will ensure low carbon transport options are easier and faster, improve air quality and shading.
- You can read the original Climate Action Plan and 2023/24 Annual review on our website.
- Camden Climate Alliance website – Camden’s network of over 400 businesses, community organisations and schools
- Read our 2-year Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan launched in November 2023