We are taking bold steps to tackle the climate emergency, transform our environment and build a fairer, greener future for our borough.
Working with our residents, we have already implemented a number of measures to bring about much-needed change and become a trailblazer in achieving our target of becoming a net-zero borough by 2041.
The Community Carbon Fund is supporting dozens of community-led projects that reduce carbon emission as well as helping to promote wellbeing and tackle inequalities.
Our pioneering Climate Partnership is also helping to bring together the council and community to collaborate on practical steps that can be taken to tackle the climate emergency.
It has been amazing to see so many of our residents already getting involved and we hope this number will increase in the weeks and months to come.
The roll out of School Streets programme is accelerating with 34 schemes transforming journeys for about 16,000 children who are benefitting from reduced traffic and pollution at the school gates.
Our Streets for People programme also includes three low traffic neighbourhoods to help us reduce traffic, improve air quality and create safer, healthier and quieter spaces.
We are currently listening intently to feedback on these trials before a decision is made on whether to make them permanent and I would encourage everyone to share their views before the consultation closes on September 20.
We’re leading the charge with the rapid roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure, with 245 on-street charging points already installed to meet rising demand with more on the way in the autumn.
Residents are also benefitting from the rapid roll-out of secure on-street cycle spaces, giving hundreds more the opportunity to store their bikes safely, and we will be constructing many more protected cycle lanes on main roads.
This year alone we planted almost 2,500 trees, another Haringey record, but we’ve only just begun.
We want to keep planting until every neighbourhood has at least 30% canopy cover as we are keen to end the unfairness that some streets have generous shade and greenery, while others have very little.
To enhance biodiversity and increase resilience, we have created a network of wildflower meadows, new nature reserves and co-produced parklets, alongside our award-winning work to protect our ancient woodlands.
The changes we are making to tackle the climate emergency will also help alleviate poverty. Our pioneering retrofit programme is underway with the ambition to make all 15,000 council homes energy efficient, cutting energy bills for low-income families, whilst improving indoor air quality.
We are making progress, but it doesn’t stop there.
Cllr Mike Hakata is Haringey Council's cabinet member for climate action, environment and transport.
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