Forum topic: Environmental forum challenges local politicians to commit to taking climate action

A manifesto from Enfield Climate Action Forum (EnCaf) to confront, tackle and adapt to the climate emergency

The emergency that is climate change creates a profound risk to the health and wellbeing of Enfield residents, workers and visitors of all ages.

The crisis that is climate change is an ecological catastrophe in waiting. It is essential to both mitigate and adapt to climate change, and to protect the most vulnerable.

It is vital that the most disadvantaged members of our community do not suffer as we move towards a green economy. We support climate justice.

Building individual and collective resilience is critical to tackling the impact of climate change and is a whole community endeavour. Collaboration with civil society is essential, for instance through local networks such as Enfield Climate Action Forum (EnCaf).

Therefore by signing this manifesto, I commit, if elected as a councillor, to the following actions..."

CUT WASTE

• Adopt the London Plan's target of 65 per cent recycling of household, commercial and industrial wastes by 2030 as a minimum target for Enfield.
• Commit to less than 10 per cent of Enfield's waste going to either landfill or Energy from Waste incineration by 2040.
• Support a policy that ensures all residents have access to food waste and dry recycling services and bins by 2023.
• Provide adequate and environment friendly waste bins in all public places, including parks and outside fast food shops.

CUT UNNECESSARY CAR USE

• Set an example by walking, cycling and using public transport.
• Ensure our roads, pavements and green spaces are safe for children, families, prams and buggies, walkers. older people. wheelchair users and those with disabilities.
• Use traffic control measures to minimise the traffic flow through residential areas.
• Ensure our roads are safe for cyclists.
• Implement policies to eliminate the school run, as far as possible.
• Extend school streets across the borough.

INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE ASSETS

• Divest from assets which do not contribute to a decarbonised economy.

CUT POLLUTION

• Bring air quality to within statutory limits throughout Enfield. Install appropriate means of measuring air quality (NOX and particulates) in all areas likely to exceed statutory limits (e.g. A406. A1010. Bullsmoor Lane). Rigorously monitor near schools. Take measures to restrict traffic when statutory limits are exceeded.
• Lobby the Mayor of London to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to the M25.

PLAN FOR THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY

• Ensure building regs are fit for purpose in a climate emergency. Green space and shade, sufficient for leisure, good health and the mitigation of the heat island effect a,re equitably distributed across Enfield.
• All new builds to passivhaus standards
• A retrofit programme of insulation (against heat and cold stress) in all council homes and buildings. Work with residents and landlords to encourage the same across all homes in
• Create tiny forests in the east of Enfield wherever space is available
• Limit all new buildings to a maximum of 11 storeys (the height of the Civic Centre) and prioritise building designs that reduce the impact of high temperatures and the need for air conditioning.
• Restrict use of air conditioning in planning policy unless it embraces the new technologies of near carbon zero
• Ensure buildings are re-purposed and demolition reduced to minimum.

USE LAND WISELY

• Use Enfield's most valued asset, its lan,. for agriculture. forestry, leisure and tourism to provide skilled jobs, locally grown food and a thriving local land-based economy.
• Invest in the use of agricultural land for agroforestry and market gardening.
• Support efforts to protect native plants and wildlife.
• Make parks fully accessible, safe and enjoyable for all
• Optimise use of brownfield sites for genuinely affordable family homes.
• Prohibit building on the green bel,. which should be prioritised for leisure, food production and a thriving land-based economy.

MITIGATE THE RISK OF FLOODS

• Continue the programme of flood relief, rain gardens and wetlands.

EDUCATE!

• Work with schools. volunteers and environmental activists to ensure young people have the support to be environmental and climate advocates.

ADDRESS THE RISKS TO PUBLIC HEALTH

Recognise the connection between climate change and public health. Take measures collaboratively with civil society and other statutory authorities to assess and address its impact.