Climate-related challenges vary across different boroughs

The transition to net zero will happen at different speeds across London boroughs, and each will face various degrees of challenge, and have different abilities to respond. Prosperous boroughs are better placed, but variations in reliance on private cars, the types of homes that people live in, and sectoral structures, will all affect progress.

What you will learn:

• Emissions are highest in Westminster, which also has the highest emissions per resident, after the City of London. Total emissions are lowest in Kingston, followed by Hackney: two very different boroughs.
• Switching to electric vehicles will be crucial, and boroughs with high car usage need to make a lot of progress, but that does require that residents can afford to make the switch. Richmond and Kingston are relatively well placed, but for Barking & Dagenham, the challenges are greater.
• Reducing emissions from homes will also be difficult for low-income boroughs, especially if they have high rates of multi-occupancy housing. Tower Hamlets and Southwark are examples, while Richmond and Kingston are more favourably placed.