How we will prepare Southwark
Our vision is for a just, equal and resilient Southwark, where all residents are protected from the changing climate and have the same opportunities to thrive in our borough. The impacts of climate change do not impact all people in the same way, and inequalities could be made worse without us taking action now.
We cannot achieve this alone, and will only do it by working with partners in London such as the Greater London Authority, London Councils and other boroughs. We will need to work with major organisations in the borough such as universities, schools and NHS trusts. We will partner with government, the Environment Agency and others, and we will also work with local businesses, residents and all those committed to building a fairer and more sustainable Southwark.
Below are the goals and key actions we have set out to tackling each climate risk.
Overheating
We will tackle overheating by cooling buildings, providing respite from heat and preparing for extreme temperatures. This means:
- We will identify communities that are especially at risk from overheating.
- Residents can escape from extreme heat in cooler spaces, inside or outside.
- Buildings will stay cool while minimising their carbon emissions.
- The borough’s infrastructure will have adapted to cope with extreme heat.
Flooding
We will reduce the risk of flooding by improving drainage, reducing the demand on the sewer system and improving our flood defences. This means:
- we will identify households that will be more at risk of flooding
- there will be reduced surface run off and an increased amount of land which drains water
- demand will be reduced on the sewer system
- flood defences will be improved with more sustainable drainage systems
Water scarcity
We will conserve more water and adapt our green spaces to be drought-resistant. This means:
- improved water conservation, including greater use of rainwater
- parks, gardens and green spaces will be adapted to be drought resistant
Trade and food security
We will improve food security by reducing wastage and increasing local supply. This means:
- a strengthened local economy, with an increase in local trade reinvesting in our local economy
- maximised local food suppliers and local food production
- increased capacity for communities to share food and reduce food waste
Pests and diseases
We will protect public health and our biodiversity from new pests and diseases. This means:
- existing biodiversity will be protected from new pests and diseases
- we will have an up-to-date risk register of emerging diseases as a result of climate change
Download and read our draft strategy, as well as other documents
Page last updated: 29 August 2023
