- How concerned are you about extreme heat, flooding, or air pollution in your neighbourhood?
Newham is one of the most climate vulnerable parts of the UK, with poor air quality, high urban heat island effect and a recent history of flooding. In the pilot area, flash flooding in 2021 caused multiple road closures and forced the A&E department of Newham Hospital to close. The pilot area is also divided horizontally by the A13, which is East London’s most polluted road. These factors contribute to high concern over climate risks in this part of the borough.
- BLOSSOM focuses on fair and inclusive climate solutions. What should this mean for communities in Newham?
Newham’s Just Transition Plan outlines three principles which underline our approach to climate action. In practice, this means that all climate programmes and projects should increase equity, reduce emissions and build future readiness.
The Just Transition Plan acknowledges that the effects of climate change are not felt equally at a local or a global level, and many of Newham’s vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by poor health as a result of climate-related issues. It is vital that climate solutions recognise this, and seek to address societal imbalances and inequities by tackling poor health, fuel poverty and the cost of living crisis, among other socioeconomic issues.
- Which places in Newham feel least comfortable or safe during very hot or rainy days, and how could BLOSSOM improve them?
BLOSSOM will focus on schools, social homes and public realm, as these are some of the key sites where vulnerable residents may seek respite from or feel affected by heatwaves. Much of the UK’s building stock is unfit for the increasingly hot summers that we are experiencing, and so retrofitted measures will be key to changing this. Whilst other points of congregation, such as religious centres, and non-social homes are also important sites where climate risk should be addressed, it is likely that they will be beyond the scope of this BLOSSOM project, as the council has less responsibility and influence over these types of buildings.
- How important is it that BLOSSOM projects also reduce inequalities and support vulnerable residents?
These are key corporate priorities for Newham council, as outlined in both the 50 Steps health plan and the Just Transition Plan. As one of the UK’s most deprived boroughs, as well as one of its most diverse, Newham has a lot of residents that are classed as vulnerable, and must aim to support them by tackling key issues relating to health, welfare, and cost of living. Many of these overlap significantly with climate, but it is important that the just transition framework is used in order to ensure that solutions offer co-benefits that can materially improve people’s lives in the short term, whilst also contributing towards Newham’s Net Zero ambitions.
Article signed by: Andrew Kemp, Head of Strategy in the Climate Action Team, LinkedIn
