Climate change has been a concerning issue for more than 40 years but it is only in the past couple that the sheer scale of the problem has become clear.
A report issued by a group of 200 experts known as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) made it clear that the situation has deteriorated so badly it will take only 10 more years for the situation to become irreversible.
The report also stated that the problem was so vast and widespread that all of us are needed to become part of the solution. That solution involves the massive reduction in our use of fossil fuels so as to cut the greenhouse gasses causing the problem. As a result of this and other developments, law makers all over the globe are recognising the need to declare a climate emergency.
Here in Britain hundreds of local authorities are doing so and we are happy to report that Merton is one of them. The key targets for this are to make the Council's own buildings and services carbon neutral by 2030 and for the whole borough to achieve the same by 2050.
Respond to Merton's Climate Emergency Consultation Survey
To collect feedback from the wider Merton community on the development of a Climate Action Plan setting out out how these targets will be achieved for Merton, the Council has issued an online climate emergency consultation survey for residents and businesses, which we would encourage everyone in Merton to take part in.
The key issues covered by the survey are to ascertain how the people of Merton view the problem, how much they are willing to do their bit to help and what help they will need to do so.
It is a bold step by Merton Council to declare a Climate Emergency and it is vital that as many local people as possible help them to make a success of this and taking part in this survey will help them greatly.
Blog by Tom Walsh
Community Ambassador, Sustainable Merton