We will be launching our Decarbonising London research programme at the London Conference 2025.
Since Centre for London launched in 2011, progress has been made on many of our city’s greatest environmental challenges. Emissions have halved. Air quality is now in line with the national average. The city is less congested, and one of the greenest in the world.
We have seen bold commitments and action at the local government level across London. Despite no statutory duty to do so, London’s borough councils and the GLA have climate action plans which go further than national Government’s 2050 net zero ambition.
However, many of our challenges have persisted or deepened. Toxic air contributes to 4,000 premature deaths a year. Extreme heat and flooding as a result of the climate crisis pose lethal risks, and the city faces significant water stress. Much of local government is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, risking a forced deprioritisation of the climate imperative.
Decarbonising London will explore how London can become:
A global leader in urban decarbonisation, fast approaching net positive on carbon and nature.
Our work will build an evidence base for change and equip London’s decision-makers with the evidence and insight needed to achieve this vision by 2030.
Decarbonising London will explore three cross-cutting themes – Infrastructure, Adaptation and Nature.
1. Infrastructure
- Beyond ULEZ: Achieving Zero-Emission Mobility for London
- Powering the Capital: the future of London’s utilities
- Route to Retrofit: Accelerating sustainable development in London
2. Adaptation
- Stormy waters? The future of London’s flood defences
- London Cooling: Green solutions to a warming city
- Greener Futures: London’s Green Jobs and Skills
3. Environment
- Forest City: Improving Londoner’s access to nature
- Natural Capital: Rewilding the Greater London environment
- Cleaning Up the Capital: tackling toxicity and waste in London
Drawing insights from across the projects, the programme will also deliver a major cross-cutting programme report: A global pioneer: London’s progress to net zero and future opportunities.
Join us
We’re still looking for founding and supporting partners and would love to discuss this further with interested parties. Do get in touch with us if you are interested in getting involved with the Decarbonising London research programme.
Partner benefits:
- Be at the heart of the policy debate on London’s environment, sustainability and transition to net zero, shaping our research priorities as well as featuring prominently in programme branding and advocacy work, including credit and high-profile roles at launch events, roundtables and media engagements.
- Connect with a cross-sector coalition of institutions and organisations with a stake in London’s future who share a positive vision for the city environment.
- Access cutting edge insights tailored to your priorities, with exclusive access to emerging insights across the research programme through regular briefings and steering group sessions tailored to your sectoral priorities and needs.