Challenge to save the planet

The latest report from the International Panel on Climate Change warned that there are 12 years to save the world from the catastrophe of climate change – the challenge is urgent.

The response in Wanstead has been the launch of the Environmental Charter, which seeks to address climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. The official launch takes place on Thursday 2 May.

There are five themed areas through which we are seeking to meet this challenge – cleaner journeys, more energy efficiency, creating less litter and recycling more, improving biodiversity and living more sustainably as individuals.

None of this will work if people don’t come forward to join the process. The council, local businesses, schools, civil society and individuals all have a role to play. So far there has been a positive response.

The council is looking at how pollution can be cut. The issue has been out to consultation, with Redbridge already announcing exclusion zones around some schools. Cycling is being encouraged with residents free to request cycle hangars in the road. The roads should be being made safer as well, so encouraging more people to get out on their bikes.

The biodiversity strand is being pursued by groups like the community gardeners and Wild Wanstead, however, this is a particular area where people need to act individually in their own homes. Do something to improve biodiversity in the garden. If you have concrete drives, make space for some plants.

Snaresbrook Primary school has developed an edible garden, whereby the children are learning all about growing their own food. More such ventures in local schools would be welcome.

There is a petition calling on local businesses to ban single use plastics. The hope is that Wanstead High Street will become a single plastic use free zone.

The litter pickers go from strength to strength, with the well attended session last month drawing in many people of all ages to clear up our area.

So things are beginning to happen to attain those greater goals of a more sustainable way of life. But there is still a long way to go. Small changes are good but if climate change, pollution and biodiversity are really to be tackled there needs to be a whole shift of culture.

The Mayor’s target of 80% of journeys being by foot, cycle of public transport by 2041 must be hit. New buildings should all be zero carbon or even carbon positive. There also needs to be a lot of retrofitting of existing stocks to make that energy efficient. Biodiversity needs to increase, with again more green spaces – there must be mass tree planting sessions – as well as the creation of new features like hedges and green walls. And with regards to waste and recycling, yes we need to clean up but the greater challenge is not to create the mess in the first place.

So there is much to be done but an encouraging start has been made to make Wanstead a cleaner, greener place.