Climate summit with local leaders builds towards being net zero by 2043

Wandsworth Council’s work to include all members of the community in the climate emergency response continued this week, as over 100 people from local organisations joined the council for an important climate summit at Battersea Arts Centre.

The event brought together stakeholders and partners from all sectors, to share knowledge and experience to help map out how we can all work together to reach the goal of the whole of Wandsworth being net zero by 2043.  

This journey began in In November 2022, when Wandsworth Council launched the Wandsworth Sustainability Partnership, bringing together partners and community groups on a quarterly basis to discuss work being done, knowledge share and connect those working on climate and sustainability in our borough.

Throughout the day there were presentations and panel discussions with industry experts, partners and council staff, as well as funders and key stakeholders in the borough, about the action they have taken on climate change and the support they can provide to others. One of the presentations outlined the challenges in reaching net zero as a borough by 2043, including the pathways that can be taken to reach that goal and the need for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions from across the whole borough.

Speeches from Leader of Wandsworth Council, Simon Hogg, and Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Judi Gasser gave attendees an understanding on where the council is at on its own journey towards being carbon neutral by 2030.

Part of the work already done has seen Wandsworth given an 'A' rating for the past two years by Environmental impact non-profit CDP, being one of 119 towns and cities worldwide in 2023 to be given this rating.

On top of this, the recently announced Wandsworth Climate Microgrants scheme was set up to enable community groups and residents to join the ongoing work across the borough.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Judi Gasser, said: “It was very encouraging to meet with so many local people and organisations who are just as committed as the council to meeting our climate targets. We pledged to work together to raise awareness of the problems and solutions of climate change.

“This Council believes that working together with our local community and partners is the most effective way to achieve the best results for our residents. “I spoke with so many fantastic people who are wanting to join the collective effort to find better ways to make Wandsworth a greener borough. Our commitment to being net zero by 2043 is ambitious but with everyone working together as I saw at this event, I know we can make it happen.

“The climate emergency is very real, and it is everyone’s problem. As a council we are doing everything we can to become a more sustainable borough to live and work in.”

Also, as part of the day participants were able to take part in 'Together on Climate Knowledge' training - an opportunity to earn an accreditation as well as build individual knowledge of the issue at hand and the impact we can each make.

Martin Herbert, Chair of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce and Director of Banham Security, said: “It was a hugely informative session and it’s great the council have taken the initiative to bring together so many stakeholders given the importance of this topic.

“It is clear there are lots of challenges ahead but collectively we can make a difference.”

Brendan Conway, Earlsfield Community Land Trust, said: “Events like this are instrumental in generating momentum, fostering partnerships, and inspiring innovative solutions to tackle one of the greatest challenges facing the borough.

“The magnitude of the task necessitates a shared sense of purpose and mission, underscoring the importance of leadership.”