CLIMATE ACTION
The time is now
The climate crisis is an issue that is already seriously damaging the world we live in and , unless we take urgent action , its disastrous effects will be felt on our own doorstep before long .
Whether it is losing our homes to flash flooding , shortages of water and food , the loss of wildlife or our NHS facing increasing deaths from heat and air pollution , the consequences of ignoring the climate crisis will be felt right here in the borough .
But small steps taken by all of us could make a huge difference in averting the crisis . And , taking them can also help us all to live healthier lives , enjoy greener neighbourhoods … and , if that were not enough , save money as well .
On the following pages , and in subsequent editions of Around Ealing , you will find tips on how you can take your own small steps . Visit aroundealing . com / climate-action for more .
And Ealing Council ’ s new leadership has signalled a step change in the way the borough will tackle the growing crisis , by reaffirming its commitment to its climate action strategy and placing it as one of its top three priorities for the borough . It will inform almost everything it does .
EVERYONE CAN PLAY THEIR PART The council wants to make it easy for everyone to play their part – from how we get around and heat our homes ; to how we value the natural world , and even the way we buy our food and deal with the clothes we wear .
We have all come to value our green spaces more than ever these past 18 months , because they were a lifeline for many during the COVID-19 lockdowns , and the council knows we need to protect and improve them – and not just for our everyday health . Our trees , hedges and fields act as our lungs by breathing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide and other emissions . They can also provide shade in the heat , habitats for birds and animals , and soak up rainwater to prevent flooding . There are many reasons why ‘ greening ’ our borough is so important . Likewise , the council ’ s plans to support our economic recovery from COVID-19 will also be guided by the need for climate action , so that we can build a borough that provides us with good jobs while also addressing the environmental crisis .
‘ SOMETHING NONE OF US CAN IGNORE ’ Councillor Deirdre Costigan , the council ’ s cabinet member for climate action , said : “ From floods to heat waves , increased air pollution and food and water shortages , the results of the climate crisis are something none of us can ignore . By uniting as a borough , we can begin to make some of the positive steps urgently needed to tackle this enormous challenge – while also continuing to make Ealing a better place to live for us all .” Read more about the climate action strategy at www . ealing . gov . uk / climateaction
around ealing Autumn 2021 21