State of London's environment has improved over past decade, but more work to be done
An unprecedented amount of information on London's environment has been published together online for the first time, to help Londoners find out more about the capital's waste, water, air quality, energy and wildlife.
The information also appears on the London Datastore, which was set up by the Mayor of London to allow free access to a huge range of information held by public sector organisations. As well as improving transparency and increasing accountability, it also encourages the capital's mass of technical talent to transform the raw data on the site into innovative new digital applications using social media.
The data on a range of environmental factors is contained in a new report entitled ‘London’s Environment Revealed - State of the Environment Report’. It is the first time a state of the environment report has been produced as a collaboration between the key organisations in London responsible for the environment. The report uses information held by each organisation - the Greater London Authority, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Forestry Commission to assess performance across 28 environmental indicators, including waste, water, air quality, energy and wildlife.
The report shows that since 2000 the capital's environment is improving, despite increasing challenges from climate change and a growing population. In 21 of the 28 indicators contained in the report, improvements have been made, whilst setting out the challenges that lie ahead. For example, Londoners now produce 10 per cent less waste per household than in 2000, and the amount of waste produced per household is lower than any other region in England. Residents are recycling and composting more of their rubbish than ever – 32 per cent of all the household waste produced.
Wildlife habitats in London have been restored and enhanced over the past 10 years. Among improvements already made, 10.5 kilometres of river habitat has been improved, 228 hectares of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh has been added to London’s green spaces and 7.5 hectares of reed beds have been added along the city’s watercourses.
However, the report also highlights that more needs to be done. Household water use is still at a similar level to 2000/01, approximately 167 litres per person per day. This is 14 per cent more than the England and Wales average, despite London being in one of the driest parts of the country. And while significant steps have been taken to reduce the amount of household waste that goes to landfill, it still accounts for half (49 per cent), with almost two million tonnes of waste being land filled. London's CO2 emissions per person are 5.9 tonnes per year, well below the UK average of 7.1 tonnes but energy use in London homes has remained at similar levels since 2000 and accounts for around 42 per cent of London’s total consumption. By making their homes more energy efficient, Londoners will reduce the amount of energy used in their homes and reduce energy bills.
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London Director for the Environment and Digital London, said: "Improving London's environment to enhance quality of life is a top priority for the Mayor. Boris Johnson has introduced a raft of programmes to increase green space, make recycling easier and improve energy efficiency. But Londoners are going to play an increasingly vital role in meeting the challenges we face. Opening up data held by public organisations is one important way we can empower people to see what is being done and what more can happen. Information should not just be the preserve of institutions and a limited elite. This latest set of green data can now be analysed by anyone and used to develop new, creative solutions."
Dave Wardle, London Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: "This first joint report shows that Londoners have made some great improvements in their environment over the last 10 years.
"The challenge is far from over, though, and we, our partners and Londoners need to build on the improvements already made, over the next decade and beyond. London will need to continue to plan for and adapt to climate change.
"Londoners can also do their bit today, by working to reduce the amount of water they use, making their homes more energy efficient and continuing the excellent progress made on reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.
"The challenge has been set to improve over the next decade, and Londoners need to continue their efforts to improve the environment for themselves and future generations."
Adam Wallace, Natural England’s Area Manager for London, said: "Londoners have come a long way in the past decade in being champions for the natural environment, as this report shows. It’s a very useful snapshot of where we are and sets a clear direction of where we need to be in the future."
Ends
Notes to editors:
1 - To view 'London’s Environment Revealed - State of the Environment Report’, visit: www.london.gov.uk
2 - To access the data contained in the report, visit: http://data.london.gov.uk/datastore/package/state-environment-report-london-june-2011
3 - Key facts contained in the report:
London's domestic water use per person per day is higher than Paris (150i/h/d) and Amsterdam (143 1/h/d).
Public transport is becoming more popular; there has been a rise in low carbon alternatives and public transport increased by 7% since 2000.
The percentage of land designated as SSSI considered to be in favourable or recovering condition has increased from 73% in 2000 to 92% in 2010.
Bird population numbers in London have increased by 33% between 1994 and 2008.
22% of London's publicly accessible parks and green spaces hold the Green Flag Award.
Allotment sites in London increased by 13% between 2003 and 2010, from 448 to 507 sites.
London now has around 500,000 street trees.
2000 to 2009 was the warmest decade on record (according to records dating back to the 1850s) and 2010 was the joint warmest year.
There has been a 10% reduction in London's energy consumption since 2000.
London's per capita CO2 emissions are 5.9 tonnes per person per year, well below the UK average of 7.1 tonnes.
The South East of the UK receives less rainfall than many Mediterranean countries and this water has to be shared across a large population.
Since the peak in 2003/04 London's leakage has reduced by over 105 Olympic swimming pools a day.
The amount of household waste produced in London has declined by 10% since 2000/01, from 3.4 million in 2009/10.
Recycling and composting of London's local authority collected waste has increased from 8% in 2000/01 to 27% in 09/10, but London continues to have the lowest rate in England.
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