The wisdom of the people in communities most affected by the climate crisis is going to be key to solving it. But at a time when many are struggling to afford basic necessities, is it fair to ask them to give up their free time to engage in politics?
Millions dreaded this winter, which has brought far more than simply discontent. The soaring cost of living has shattered communities and it is difficult to see how families will be able to cope, especially with so many already falling behind on rent and bills. We know that systemic thinking demonstrates that the solutions to the cost of living crisis are often the same as solutions to the climate crisis – insulating homes, for instance, reduces both energy bills and energy usage.
In April 2019, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan established the city’s first Green Spaces Commission for the delivery and management of green spaces in the UK capital. Membership was made up of 14 commissioners. Half were women, and only 29% were Black, Asian or from minority ethnic backgrounds. Not only is this unrepresentative of London’s diversity; 12 of the 14 members did not receive compensation for their time, effort and hard work.
