London will not achieve its target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, Mayor Sadiq Khan has admitted, citing limited control over the capital’s energy system and the need for wider government support.
Speaking at Mayor’s Question Time, Khan acknowledged that despite significant progress on emissions reduction, the ambitious target is now unlikely to be met.
The mayor pointed to measures introduced during his time in office, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and the electrification of London’s bus fleet, as key contributors to lowering emissions across the capital.
However, he argued that further progress depends on reforms beyond City Hall’s control, particularly the decarbonisation of the national energy grid, which remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
The issue was raised by Green Party leader and London Assembly member Zack Polanski, who suggested the capital’s climate initiatives were not sufficiently connected despite delivering individual benefits.
Khan agreed, describing the criticism as fair and calling for greater flexibility over public funding.
“The funding comes from different pots of money, it’s frustrating,” he said.
“If we had an integrated settlement, monies devolved to London in one pot, we could have some ‘joined-upness’.”
While bodies overseen by the Greater London Authority, including Transport for London and the London Fire Brigade, remain on track to meet net-zero goals, Khan said wider challenges remain.
He highlighted the need for large-scale building retrofit programmes and reforms to the electricity grid, while also arguing that public sector organisations could help drive change through their purchasing power.
Khan first committed London to achieving net zero by 2030 six years ago, setting a target significantly earlier than the UK Government’s national 2050 goal.
Polanski later said the target should remain “non-negotiable”, arguing that climate investment could help deliver lower energy costs and more resilient homes across the capital.
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