Too Darn Hot?

We are in for a warm weekend and the mercury is predicted to hit 34° on Monday and not fall below 22° overnight.  I want everybody to enjoy the sunny weather but look after yourselves and check in on those that may be feeling the heat. Cover up, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

This heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the realities of climate change.  This week was London Climate Action Week and I was delighted to stand up for Sutton at two specific events. The first showcased our Green Enterprise Partnership scheme and is a real success story in helping local businesses become more sustainable and saving money.  The second was with Kerry McCarthy, the Climate Minister, and was about working together in finding ways to solve this wicked problem.

Climate change will mean that in Sutton we will face higher temperatures, more intense heatwaves, longer dry spells and potential water shortages.  It also increases the risk of flooding and threats both to natural habitats and human health.  

We will continue to work towards becoming a net zero borough, and that is why we are putting solar panels on more of our buildings, expanding Sutton’s decentralised energy network which currently provides green energy from waste to over 800 homes, greening our waste & street cleaning fleet, and looking after our parks and open spaces.  

This heatwave is almost certainly due to climate change.  This means we have to find ways to adapt our borough to its direct impacts.  Ensuring natural shade in our busy high streets, sustainable urban drainage that allows water to run off naturally without overloading the drainage system, and building homes and public spaces that are naturally cool.  

A good way for you to stay out of the sun and be in the shade this weekend is by attending some of the many events taking place in the borough, including the ever popular Carshalton Artists Open Studios (CAOS) - a trail of over 60 brilliant local artists. As well as Millie’s Magical Mindfulness Trail at Whitehall in Cheam. We are so lucky to have so many activities for you to go to - see the rest of this edition of Sutton Scene to find out more.