In December 2020 the UK Government announced new emissions targets setting the UK on the path to carbon neutral by 2050, leading the way in tackling climate change globally.
It includes:
aiming for at least 68 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade, compared to 1990 levels
committing to reduce emissions by the fastest rate of any major economy
creating and supporting 250,000 jobs whilst helping to stop the UK’s contribution to climate change
What are we doing?
How Havering Council aims to become carbon neutral
In August 2021, we announced our intentions to be carbon neutral by 2040, or sooner if possible, and to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis.
Read our news item about the announcement
What does carbon neutral mean?
To be ‘carbon neutral’ means emitting no more greenhouse gases than those that can be absorbed through carbon capturing.
The Havering Council Climate Change Action Plan
The Havering Climate Change Action Plan (HCCAP) was approved by Cabinet on 10 November 2021 and outlines all of the key initiatives, goals and objectives to meet the Council's carbon neutral ambitions by 2040.
Read the current Havering Council Climate Change Action Plan and summary documents
Climate Change Action Plan visual summary
The potential impact of climate change in Havering
Greater London, including Havering, continues to be exposed to far greater potential damage from flooding due to the fact that a significant proportion of London lies within the floodplain of the River Thames.
Whilst flood protection levels are presently good, the increased risk of flooding from climate change could lead to damage to buildings and property, disruption of Havering’s drainage systems and transport networks.
A series of London-wide climate risk maps have been produced to analyse the impact of the changing climate and vulnerability across Greater London.
The maps are broken down into risk factors of climate change that relate to how people could be affected.
These are updated regularly to support action planning.
View the London climate risk maps
The role that Havering Council must play as a local authority
Ensuring that all Council services takes into account the UK Government’s targets. This includes our regeneration plans and the introduction of new policies and ways of working.
Providing a leadership role in the borough and across London in promoting change and encouraging private companies and other public sector partners to follow our lead.
What can you do?
Use energy wisely
See how you could save money on your energy bill by reducing the amount you use.
Our energy advice page has a number of grants you can apply for.
Get a bike or walk
Cycling and walking are two easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
See our cycling and walking pages for details of local groups and scenic routes.
Join the Havering Climate Challenge The Havering Climate Challenge is our ongoing campaign demonstrating how the borough is coming together to tackle climate change and to meet environmental targets.
The campaign shows our climate journey – highlighting how even the small changes you do can make a big difference towards reducing carbon emissions.
More information on the Havering Climate Challenge
Climate change – It’s everyone’s business
Go to our business climate change pages for information on what your business can do
Keep up to date
Read the latest climate change related news from us