Climate change is the biggest long-term threat to our prosperity and well-being.

The overwhelming majority of the world’s climate scientists agree that climate change is already with us. The way that the climate system works means that we can expect further climate change until at least the middle of the century, thanks to our past greenhouse gas emissions.

We also know that action to reduce emissions now will avoid the most damaging climate change that our children and grandchildren would otherwise face. And there’s plenty that individuals can do to reduce the risk of climate change.

Every time we get in the car, turn a light on, buy our groceries or go on holiday, we make our mark. People instinctively want to be green, but often don’t know how.

This month, during London Sustainability Weeks, we are launching the Greener Hounslow campaign that aims to help everyone in the borough go greener. See the feature in the latest Hounslow Matters for more information. ( PDF Help, size 1343kb)

The campaign is another demonstration of our ambition to become one of the UK’s leading local authorities in the field of environmental sustainability. The challenge that faces us is how can we all enjoy a high quality of life without spoiling our world for future generations? Whether at home, at work, at leisure or at school, we can all help to reduce our impact on the planet by taking some simple steps to use less resources.

Your council is working hard to make recycling a hassle-free part of your lives. There will be major changes to the way in which we collect your waste this year as we introduce a new and expanded waste collection system. Together we can make everything we do a bit greener.

Cllr Peter Thompson
Leader
London Borough of Hounslow