Climate Change in Lewisham

Human activity has had a direct impact on the natural world through the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, as well as the destruction of forests and natural habitats.

There is substantial evidence that climate change is connected to increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as flooding, heat waves, drought and storms.

Within a generation, unchecked global temperature rises are forecast to lead to average UK summer temperatures in excess of 30ºC, a halving of annual rainfall, and a 40% increase in extreme rainfall intensity. These kinds of changes will have overwhelming consequences for many residents.

In Lewisham, the biggest sources of carbon emissions relate to the use of fossil fuels to heat and power our homes or in the fuel of cars and other vehicles on our roads. See our carbon emissions breakdown here.

The main impacts of climate change in Lewisham are likely to be:

warmer, wetter winters
hotter, drier summers (which may be especially hot in dense urban areas)
more frequent extreme rainfall events, leading to greater risks of flooding, especially in low lying areas near rivers
increased greenhouse gas concentrations, leading to greater air pollution
increased incidence of wildfires
sea level rise, leading to increased risk of flooding near the Thames

You can read more about the work we are doing to tackle the climate emergency in our Climate Emergency Action Plan and by signing up to our enewsletter.

We acknowledge the impact that climate breakdown is already having on the world and recognise the duty we have, alongside all other local and national governments, to take appropriate action to prevent and adapt to these threats. We also acknowledge that cutting carbon emissions brings health, wellbeing and economic benefits.

Read more about how you can take action on climate change and also prepare for emergencies.

Published on: 14/09/2023