London could run on 100% clean energy by mid-century, with electric cars, solar power and energy efficient homes, it has been claimed.
Campaigners are calling on candidates in next year’s mayoral elections to commit to the capital becoming a 100% clean energy city by 2050.
Climate campaign Here Now has teamed up with think-tank IPPR to produce a plan for making the switch to clean energy, in the face of concerns about air pollution in London and the need for a switch away from fossil fuels.
A report by IPPR warned the capital was not on track to meet current targets to reduce emissions by 60% by 2025, and called on the next mayor to produce plans for delivering a 100% clean energy city by 2050.
Proposals for what the next mayor must do to get London on track for a clean energy revolution include developing a city-wide solar power strategy and retrofitting the city’s homes and offices with energy efficiency and cooling technology.
“Greening” transport is key to the move, with calls for the next mayor to get everyone who is able out on their bicycles, to reduce the emissions from goods deliveries, to drive the roll-out of ultra-low emission vehicles and invest in public transport, IPPR said.
The campaign is being launched at an event at which mayoral candidates which spell out their plans for making London a cleaner, greener city.
Businesses including the capital’s biggest home builder, Berkeley Homes, and community groups will set out what they are already doing to switch to 100% clean energy.
Jimmy Aldridge, senior research fellow at IPPR, said: “London has some good low carbon programmes and targets in place, but momentum has dropped off. Delivery is far lower than the UK average.
“If the UK is to meet its national climate objectives then the capital must start leading by example.
“The next mayor should draw on the spirit that delivered the first tube network, Bazalgette’s sewerage system, and the hugely successful 2012 Olympics, by setting the city on a path to 100% clean energy by 2050.
“This is ambitious but deliverable, with the policies set out in IPPR’s report.
“If any city can rise to the challenge, it’s London.”
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