The scorching summer of 2026 is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of climate denial. Europe is ablaze, with record-breaking heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and catastrophic impacts on communities. The UK, in particular, is grappling with its own heatwave, with temperatures soaring and natural disasters ravaging the land. This crisis is not an isolated incident but part of a long-term pattern of extreme weather events.
As London's mayor, I have firsthand experience of the battle against climate denial. When I was first elected, I sounded the alarm about the rapidly warming world and declared a climate emergency, becoming the first mayor of a global city to do so. Since then, a coalition of climate deniers and delayers has relentlessly opposed my green policies, including the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and the introduction of clean air measures. Their efforts have been fueled by a dark blizzard of disinformation on social media, even leading to a shocking act of domestic terrorism where a man detonated a homemade bomb to destroy a ULEZ camera.
This extreme climate skepticism has gained momentum, with figures like Donald Trump dismissing climate change as a 'con job' and seeking to sabotage global climate action. In the UK, cross-party consensus on the climate crisis has shattered, with opposition politicians and right-wing populists espousing denialism and fatalism. Some claim it's a hoax, while others argue it's too late to act, both of which are patently false.
The climate crisis is worsening, but London has shown that with courage and creativity, we can prepare for its impacts. We've planted trees, embraced rewilding, and created green spaces to combat flooding. Our city's carbon emissions have decreased, and we've achieved legal limits for nitrogen oxide levels far ahead of schedule. These efforts have resulted in a 40% reduction in estimated deaths associated with air pollution.
However, we cannot tackle this crisis alone. National governments must step up, reaffirm their commitment to net zero, and invest in green projects. The notion that climate action is a luxury is absurd, as droughts, rising food prices, and oil-price shocks have real-world consequences. Climate denial and delay are not just delusional but deadly, and it's crucial to turn the tide by embracing net zero and preparing for a hotter future.
The time for action is now. We must protect our planet and its inhabitants from the devastating effects of climate change. The future of our world depends on it.
