Local people will help shape Islington Council’s approach to creating a greener, healthier borough, following the launch of a new “Islington Climate Panel”.

Across the UK, the effects of climate change are already being felt, with more extreme heatwaves and rainfall events. The impacts of these carry real risks to some of the borough’s least well-off communities.

The panel – which will be made up of 45 residents, chosen at random to represent Islington’s diverse communities – will consider how the council and its partners can reduce these risks by improving the borough’s “climate resilience”. This includes considering what can be done to make the borough greener, and to help people cope with the increased risk of flooding and extreme heat.

Those selected for the panel will also learn more about climate change issues, receive training to take part in sessions, and share ideas with one another, local groups, and the council.

Local people are at the heart of the council’s efforts to create a more equal borough and tackle climate change. The formation of the Islington Climate Panel is part of a broader “Islington Citizens’ Panel” being launched later this year. This will provide residents the opportunity to have their say and work with the council, across a range of topics.

The Islington Climate Panel is part of the council’s mission to make the borough a greener, healthier place, including by transforming our streets into community spaces that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy, ensuring that we all waste less and re-use more, and enhancing our precious natural environment.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Council, said: “The Islington Climate Panel builds on the great work we’ve already done to involve local people in shaping decisions, including Let’s Talk Islington – evolving how we engage with our residents on key issues that matter to them.

“The effects of climate change are already being felt in Islington and across the UK, and as these become more intense and frequent everyone will be affected.

“No one knows the local area better than local people. To help reduce the risks to our communities, it’s important that we come together to think about how we can take action to reduce the risks of climate change and transform our borough alongside our residents.”

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport, said: “As a council, we’re committed to making Islington a more equal place to live, including making the borough greener and healthier.

“With 90% of Londoners saying they’re motivated to help prevent climate change, and 65% saying that climate change affects their day-to-day decision making, it is clear that there is real appetite to take action to mitigate the risks it poses. That’s why we want to work with residents to turn these concerns into action.”

The Islington Climate Panel is part of the council’s wider commitment to put communities at the heart of decision making.

They will be launching further opportunities for residents to engage with local decision making later in the year.