Katie Halder, Climate Change Officer, Merton Council

Katie Halter, Climate Officer for Merton Council informed residents about the Climate Emergency unanimously declared by the Council in July.

The declaration requires the borough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Data from National Statistics indicate that Merton was responsible for emitting over half a million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2018. Gas and electricity used in Merton's buildings, and the use of petrol and diesel transport were mainly responsible; although the greenhouse emissions estimated could potentially double if you include activities outside of Merton by residents, such as flying.

There are three specific commitments in declaration

1. Specific dates to reduce emissions – Merton Council carbon neutral by 2030; the borough as a whole by 2050. This means 12% annual reduction to achieve this, which implies the decarbonisation of around 3000 properties improved a year and 2,500 of the 75,000 petrol and diesel cars registered in Merton will need to be replaced by electric or active travel per year.
2. Create a Climate Emergency Action Plan by March 2020
3. Create a Climate Emergency Working group to gather evidence and ideas, which will contribute to the formation of the Action Plan.

For more information on the Climate emergency declaration, please see:

https://www.merton.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/sustainability-and-climate-change/climate-emergency

Katie set out how residents could get involved

• Individual choices are critical – especially energy use, diet, and travel. Sustainable Merton has a helpful checklist
• Community Projects – the Council would like to support setting them up or hearing about them
• Climate action plan – please get involved in the consultation on the action plan when it begins, we welcome new ideas
• Climate Strike protests tomorrow – national policies have a huge impact so welcome pressure on politicians.
• Solar Power Together leaflets – run by Mayor of London – they have vetted solar panel providers through collective bargaining power. Depending on how many sign up they will agree a supplier who will conduct a survey and agree a final price. Last year got 35% discount and they had good feedback on installations.
• Plant more trees as they act as a carbon store

A resident asked about the use of Hexane gas and Katie explained that moving away from gas use was a key part of reducing emissions. In response to other questions, Katie said that they are working with Merton’s Young Advisers programme to develop education programme; there are many issues that are outside the control of the Council so we welcome ideas to change behaviours. Katie also said that there would be provisions in the new Local Plan to help reduce emissions; and we will be working with developers, including Clarion, as well as scrutinising planning applications. Katie also explained that energy use as whole roughly breaks down as 50% gas, 25% electric, 25% cars across Merton and that housing stock is only 5% new build so the bigger issue is bringing existing homes to standard.

Katie also said that Merton Council has an open space strategy being considered currently, and will address the need to balance the use of these spaces including the potential to increase the tree canopy. Katie agreed to look into the impact of road humps. A resident asked about Heathrow expansion and Councillor Alambritis confirmed that Merton Council is against the expansion and had responded to the consultation to say so.

Questions were asked about trams and train frequencies, Councillor Alambritis said we can raise with TfL as demand is high and that we are keen to expand the Tram from Wimbledon to Sutton. A resident also suggested lobbying to reduce the tax on electric cars company cars.