London mayor to intensify climate policies despite opposition

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has vowed to continue his aggressive climate policies in the face of political resistance and criticism.

Tim Donovan reports for BBC.

In short:

• Sadiq Khan emphasized his commitment to climate action at a Vatican conference, despite facing significant opposition, particularly from Conservative politicians.
• He highlighted the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion as a major environmental achievement but also acknowledged the political challenges and misinformation campaigns against it.
• Critics, including the Greens, accused Khan of compromising on broader climate initiatives during his election campaign, despite his pledge to meet net zero targets by 2030.

Key quote:

"This is a moment which demands the courage to take decisions, meet responsibilities and find a way."

— Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Why this matters:

While Khan’s climate measures have been praised by environmental advocates for their potential to improve air quality and combat climate change, they have also sparked controversy. Critics argue that the initiatives can impose financial burdens on residents and businesses, particularly during economic hardships. Khan’s stance may reflect a growing recognition among global leaders that the climate crisis demands immediate and decisive action.