Forum Topic

Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy Action Plan

Thanks to the work of groups such as 'The 10,000' and Extinction Rebellion last year Wandsworth council declared a climate emergency in July 2019 and committed to being carbon neutral by 2030.It has now published its first report/strategy document which can be read at the link below.https://democracy.wandsworth.gov.uk/documents/s71801/Paper%2020%2027%20AP%20cover-SSA205426.pdf

Matt Palmer ● 2491d14 Comments

I can't find that paper but I found this:https://democracy.wandsworth.gov.uk/documents/s66839/Appendix%202%20to%20Paper%20No.%2019-197.pdf

Philippa Bond ● 2491d

thats a completely different one, but you're right my link no longer works, it looks like the council took the document down?

Matt Palmer ● 2491d

But not before I downloaded it!https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Yx6Lk5PRXBZ_bpfG0eD-N7aEpPqvi23/view?usp=drivesdk

Michael Ixer ● 2491d

That's not the document either!I can email it to whoever wants it but I assume the council will put it back at some point

Matt Palmer ● 2491d

Oops, think that was "finger" trouble by me, try this?https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Vpnj8VoWke6DRYyv15iTUJVfDJcI_xB/view?usp=drivesdk

Michael Ixer ● 2491d

yes that's the one :)

Matt Palmer ● 2491d

https://democracy.wandsworth.gov.uk/documents/s71801/Paper%2020%2027%20AP%20cover-SSA205426.pdf is working again

PutneySW15 Editor ● 2491d

This link is now working.  I would encourage members of this forum to read  the document. Encouraging  words and now the hard part of actually doing it starts.  Would be great to get a positive, constructive discussion going on this forum on what we can do as individuals, and what we would lobby our councillors and our local MP to do. Historically our local councillors and Wandsworth as a whole have been very timid about taking action on any meaningful scale to tackle climate change  - following (very slowly) rather than leading.  This could change if we do our bit both to reduce our individual carbon footprints and encourage our elected representatives to step up locally and nationally, and do what is needed.

Ruth Pates ● 2490d

I agree with Ruth that we all need to contribute to reducing the collective carbon footprint, but that is simply not enough: action is need at government (and, indeed, international) level. In that context, the government's inexplicable decision to bail out Flybe is sheer madness.

Richard Carter ● 2490d

It absolutely has to be led from the top. Most people agree we must all do something to reduce our carbon footprints but taking those first steps to change one’s lifestyle is difficult for too many of us. I certainly don’t exclude myself from this by the way. Minimise driving - tick. Electric or hybrid car - not yet (cost and practicability), walking or cycling - tick, but I don’t like cycling in the rain (my brakes don’t work properly), using public transport wherever possible - tick. Flying - still do it but definitely feel guiltier. Way to go, I confess!

Jonathan Callaway ● 2490d

Agree with both of you- this cannot be achieved without serious local and national government action, and without strong international collaboration.  I think the governments - local and national - need to stop talking as if these actions are discretionary and need instead to identify the necessary actions and ensure they are done at the level required.  With the size of the national Tory majority there is no excuse for inaction. Of course this would mean using data and evidence and taking responsibility - a big step

Ruth Pates ● 2490d

"I don’t like cycling in the rain (my brakes don’t work properly)"Ummm. Actually mine don't work properly either - they squeal appallingly. The trouble is that they then embarrass me, so I feel a bit shy about using them to their full extent. Still they do get attention. I must do something about them.

David Ainsworth ● 2490d

https://www.cycleconfident.com/courses/dr-bike/Wandsworth is a sponsoring borough - along with many others.

Philippa Bond ● 2490d

Switch to a bike with hydraulic disk brakes. They have awesome stopping power, in wet or dry. Second-best upgrade ever (after Schwalbe Marathon Plus puncture-proof tyres)

Sean Hodges ● 2490d