Forum topic: London's pathway to zero carbon by 2030

The science is clear that without urgent action, the world is on track for catastrophic temperature increases. We must rapidly reduce emissions to limit the worst effects of the climate emergency.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has set a target for London to be net zero carbon by 2030. To support this ambition, he has commissioned experts Element Energy to analyse the possible pathways to achieving net zero.

Fairness must be at the heart of the net zero pathway. The cost of no action will impact lower income Londoners the most, with overheating, toxic air and flooding all posing a risk. We must ensure we are supporting those on low incomes from the costs and ensure they benefit from warm, energy efficient homes, cleaner air and the new green jobs that will come from taking faster action.

Element Energy analysed four possible pathways to net zero, looking at the different ways London can reduce emissions. The report shows that under all pathways it is possible to accelerate action and radically reduce carbon emissions with the right ambition, leadership, powers and funding. As well as helping avoid catastrophic climate change, there are many other benefits in achieving net zero, including supporting tens of thousands of jobs; improving health through better air quality and more active lifestyles; reducing inequalities and improving quality of life for all.

The Mayor has selected a preferred pathway to net zero - the Accelerated Green pathway. Amongst other things, achieving this will require:

• Nearly 40 per cent reduction in the total heat demand of our buildings, requiring over 2 million homes and a quarter of a million non-domestic buildings to become properly insulated
• 2.2 million heat pumps in operation in London by 2030
• 460,000 buildings connected to district heating networks by 2030
• A 27 per cent reduction in car vehicle km travelled by 2030
• Fossil fuel car and van sales ended by 2030 and enforced in line with Government’s existing commitments.

The Mayor’s response to the Element Report explains the key issues, benefits and challenges of the four possible pathways and why the Accelerated Green pathway is the preferred option for London. This pathway balances ambition with deliverability and replaces the previous trajectory in the 1.5°C Plan.

Read more on www.london.gov.uk