H&F Council has declared a climate emergency in recognition of the catastrophic damage human activities are having on our planet.

Globally, fossil fuel use is causing rising temperatures, climate change, which is leading to more extreme weather events and melting of polar ice caps. Locally, we’re seeing increases in air pollution and loss of biodiversity, with many insect species at risk of extinction.

We want to be at the forefront in addressing this emergency, seeking out the most innovative ways to improve our environment, by reducing pollution and increasing local biodiversity.

As part of our commitment, we’ve pledged to work to a target of the borough being net carbon zero by 2030. We’ll be working closely with residents to make these changes and front-and-centre of this work will be a resident-led commission driving our green agenda.

The Climate and Ecological Emergency Commission will ensure changes we make are as a result of working with residents, rather than doing things to them.

How we’re fighting for a greener borough

As a council, we’ll lead the charge by radically adapting the way we run our services and the way we work, in line with our ambition to be the greenest borough in Britain.

Here are some of the steps we’ve taken to meet the climate challenge head-on:

• Fighting plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport
• Introduced fines for idling motorists
• Launched a pollution-free parcel delivery service
• Banned the use of glyphosate pesticides
• Negotiated two new safer cycle routes
• Growing a large network of EV charging points
• Pioneered using grass to reduce roadside pollution
• Installed energy-saving LED street lights
• Built new 'parklets' in Hammersmith Grove
• Introduced recycling services for clothes and electrical goods
• Invited residents to grow plants in tree bases
• Increased recycling rates on estates

See what we’re doing to become the greenest borough in Britain

Read about the action we’ve taken to tackle air pollution in H&F

Read the latest climate emergency news