What is the climate emergency?

The climate emergency refers to the rapid and unprecedented changes in our global climate, driven largely by human activity. Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and intensive agriculture have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions, trapping heat in our atmosphere and disrupting natural systems. The consequences are already being felt: more frequent and severe heatwaves, flooding, droughts, and biodiversity loss, both globally and here in Richmond.

The Met Office Climate Report for Richmond Upon Thames outlines the observed and predicted changes in our climate as well as the impacts for our borough.

You can view our Climate Risk Map which looks at climate impacts and social factors which affect risk across the borough and informs our climate action.

Our commitment

In July 2019, we declared a climate emergency, recognising the need to address the escalating impacts of climate change. Since then, we’ve committed to becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030 and achieving a Net Zero borough by 2043. More than just a policy commitment, this is a call to action for everyone who lives, works, studies, or visits Richmond upon Thames.

Discover how we are tackling climate change.