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 (75%), and the use of petrol and diesel transport (25%) were mainly responsible. The amount of greenhouse emissions could potentially double if you include emissions that arise from goods use in the borough and from activities of Merton by residents that occur outside the borough, 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 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 early 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
• Solar Power Together – 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.  
• National policies have an impact on our ability to decarbonise, so welcome pressure on politicians may help.

Katie was asked what was meant by decarbonisation and explained that this involved stopping greenhouse gas emissions going into the air by either stopping the activity or offsetting the emissions through other means like more trees. Katie also said that electric vehicles are significantly better than petrol/diesel, as they have more efficient engines and the average grid intensity of the electricity grid is lower compared to petrol and diesel, and is reducing due to increasing use of renewables.

A resident suggested that case studies could be shared with residents with examples of what can be done or is already being done. Katie agreed this was important and the new Community Plan will include spotlights on community work and we will be using all the channels we can to communicate with residents. A resident asked about the use of electric scooters on cycle lanes. Katie said that these are not legal on pavements or the road currently and the Council does not have the power to change this. If we can identify gaps in funding or legislation and we can raise these with government as part of the action plan.

A resident asked about energy use at the Civic Centre including the lights. Katie explained that this is one of many things that we are looking at to address as well as homeworking, procurement, staff travel, and our vehicle fleet including refuse trucks. Katie also said that there is already a Clean Air Strategy in Merton so we will be looking at the synergies with the new Climate Action Plan

A question was asked about the placement of mobile phone masts and Councillor Alambritis explained that under national guidelines there are restrictions what Councils can refuse, and as long as the application meets set standards planning authorities cannot refuse applications on health grounds.

Katie also said that future rounds of Solar Together would be dependent on future funding and any emissions from installation are outweighed by the benefits. Although feed-in tariffs have been scrapped they have been replaced by a smart export guarantee (SEG) plus with which can offer a similar rate of return to 10 years ago (e.g. a 10 year pay back on investment on an average Semi with a South facing roof).

UPDATE following the meeting: Residents can get involved by completing a survey so their ideas can be included or contact future.merton@merton.gov.uk.