The summer of 2026 has been a wake-up call for many, as Europe and other parts of the world grapple with unprecedented heatwaves and their devastating consequences. From deadly wildfires in France, Greece, and Spain to evacuations in the UK, the impact of climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality. This is the third drought London has faced in just five years, and the pattern is clear: the past 11 years have been the hottest on record, and with a strengthening El Niño, the trend is set to continue.
As Mayor of London, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities presented by the climate emergency. When I declared a climate emergency in 2016, I knew it would be a defining issue for our generation. However, I was met with resistance and skepticism from climate deniers and delayers who sought to undermine our green policies. The fight over the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) was a turning point, marking the beginning of a new era of extreme climate skepticism.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, the voices of denial and delay have only grown louder. Donald Trump, with his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and support for fossil fuels, has set a dangerous precedent. This has been echoed by politicians and populists in the UK, who either deny the existence of the climate crisis or claim it's too late to act. Both arguments are misleading and dangerous.
London has shown that we can prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. We have implemented bold initiatives, such as planting over 640,000 trees, embracing rewilding, and creating green spaces for natural drainage. Our city has more zero-emission buses than any other in Europe, and we've made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions while growing our economy. The Ulez has played a crucial role in improving air quality, with a substantial decrease in nitrogen oxide levels and estimated deaths associated with air pollution.
Our work through C40 Cities, a global network of cities, demonstrates that collaboration is key. However, national governments must also step up and take responsibility. They must recommit to net zero targets, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and invest in green projects. The climate crisis is not a luxury or a distant concern; it is an urgent issue that impacts our daily lives and livelihoods.
The cost of living crisis and the climate crisis are intertwined. Rising food prices due to droughts, oil-price shocks, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and disrupted infrastructure are all consequences of a warming planet. The idea that climate action is 'woke nonsense' is a dangerous misconception that ignores the very real impacts we are already experiencing.
We are living in an era of extremes, and the consequences of inaction are dire. Climate denial and delay are not just delusions; they are deadly. The price of failure will be paid by all of us, not just those who profit from fossil fuels. We must prepare for a hotter future and embrace net zero with urgency and determination. The time for action is now, and we must not let the voices of denial and delay stand in our way.
