Westminster Citizens' Climate Assembly day two, June 25 2023

Participants explored the climate emergency with a focus on fairness and inequality. They recognised how climate justice is critical to achieving our goals. Participants considered the opportunities for change at a citywide, community and individual level. They heard from speakers about current projects that are breaking down the barriers to climate action.

The focus of the assembly is to explore the important question:

• How can we overcome the main barriers to Westminster becoming a net zero city by 2040 together and how do we ensure this is delivered in the fairest way?

Purpose of day two

To help participants to:

1. explore some of the potential pathways to achieving net zero emissions
2. understand climate justice and how this is critical to successful climate action
3. understand practical actions, from citywide to the individual, to tackle the climate emergency
4. consider the future of Westminster and inspire them to explore how we can achieve our net zero goals
5. create a vision for 2040

Welcome to day two

Participants were welcomed back to the assembly and provided a reminder of the purpose and agreed ways of working.

Talks

Dr Neil Jennings, Partnership Development Manager, Grantham Institute for Climate Change

Neil delivered a presentation to participants about the inequity in the source of carbon emissions, and who is involved when we say ‘together’. Neil then introduced the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. He encouraged attendees to think about the knock-on effects and connections between these three areas. Watch Dr Neil Jennings' talk.

MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) Myra Soni

Myra provided a powerful speech about the views of young people across Westminster. She shared a video created by the Youth Council and the Climate Emergency Team. The video focused on their concerns about climate change and the importance of the Citizens’ Climate Assembly. Myra emphasised that her generation will see the effects of climate change, but that they are also valuable contributors to climate action in Westminster. Watch MYP Myra Soni's talk.

Myra said:

Together, we must take action. Being a bystander is no longer an option. We must envision a net zero council by 2030, a zero net city by 2040. We must envision a future where generations appreciate the value of our natural world and are proud of the legacy we leave behind.

Watch the Youth Council video below:

Activities

Identifying ways to deliver net zero in the fairest way

Participants worked with facilitators to identify the values and principles for Westminster to reach net zero in the fairest way. Participants were able to call on Dr Neil Jennings and MYP Myra Soni to input into their discussions.

Exploring the root causes

Participants worked at their tables to explore barriers to delivering net zero. They identified the symptoms and impact of the problem from a fairness perspective.

Presentations about the pathways to net zero

Simeran Bachra, Associate Director, Anthesis

Simeran delivered a presentation about the sources of carbon emissions across Westminster. She highlighted what the city needs to do to achieve net zero by 2040. Watch Simeran Bachra's talk.

Justin Etherington, Associate Director, Buro Happold

Justin delivered a presentation about Sustainable Cities. He introduced Westminster’s Local Area Energy Plan and encouraged attendees to imagine what future Westminster could look like. Watch Justin Etherington's talk.

Learning from others

There were presentations from a range of speakers about what is being delivered across Westminster, and beyond. Talks covered how we can reach net zero in the fairest way, through the themes of My Westminster, My Community and My Home. These presentations gave participants ideas and inspired them with possible routes for action.

My Westminster

• Nicola Rochfort, Community Engagement Lead, Grosvenor spoke about the work at Grosvenor to improve properties and places. How they are delivering lasting commercial, social, and environmental benefits. Watch Nicola Rochfort's talk.
• Bob Ward, Policy and Communications Director, Grantham Institute for Climate Change referenced that the assembly was being delivered on the hottest day of 2023, and the building was not designed to be resilient to the impacts of Climate Change. This encouraged participants to consider the importance of adaptation and resilience. Watch Bob Ward's talk.
• Natalia Nogues Consentini, Operations Manager, Veolia spoke about the work Veolia does across Westminster to increase recycling rates, reduce waste contamination and support environmental action through communities. Watch Natalia Nogues Consentini's talk.

My Community

• Rachel Brain, Social Impact Manager & Manuel Cameron, Aldgate Solar Power Community Lead, Repowering London introduced the concept of Community Energy and how it supports tackling the climate, energy, and workforce crises. Watch Rachel Brain's talk.
• Carlos Queremel, Future Neighbourhoods Project Lead, Camden Council shared a presentation about the Somers Town Future Neighbourhood 2030 programme in Camden. This programme delivers on the objectives of the Green New Deal, and provides a long-term plan for the neighbourhood. They have identified future local improvements to combat climate change up to 2030. Watch Carlos Queremel's talk.

My Home

• Graham Kingsbury, Property Sustainability Programme Manager, Westminster City Council showcased work across the City to retrofit residents’ homes. Watch Graham Kingsbury's talk.
• Carolina Castilla Penna, Senior Outreach Officer, Green Doctors Team, Groundwork London explained the Green Doctors programme and its focus on encouraging residents to take action within their own homes to save energy and money. Watch Carolina Castilla Penna's talk.

Final activity

The final activity asked participants to take part in a 'visioning' exercise. 'Visioning' is imagining how we will develop in the future in a sustainable way.

Participants stood in the shoes of:

• children
• business owners,
• older people,
• people on low incomes,
• commuters,
• people with disabilities
• our historic buildings and monuments

This helped them consider a vision for a 2040 net zero Westminster from various perspectives.

Wrap up and close

Participants reflected on what they had learnt and what had inspired them. They identified something they will do as a result of their participation in the session. They also completed an information request sheet to support their decision making before weekend two.

What happens next?

In the second weekend of sessions, on 15 and 16 July, participants will deliberate on all the evidence and information they have received so far. They will construct a set recommendation to present to the council. External experts and council officers will be available to ask questions to and test ideas and proposals with. They will then create a final set of recommendations.