Havering Friends of the Earth

Havering Green Forum

by Ian Pirie; first published 15-Jul-2022

Havering Climate Coalition logo

This week I would like to give a brief report on the first Havering Green Forum meeting, which took place online on 6th July. The Forum brings together councillors, council officials and members of the public to discuss ways to protect and improve the natural environment in Havering. The first meeting was chaired by Jerry Haley, Head of Neighbourhoods. Keith Darvill, the new Cabinet Member for Climate, sent a statement saying he welcomed the proposed interaction between the Council and the Forum. It is hoped that these meetings will take place every two months. Each meeting will "spotlight" some of the environmental groups active in the borough, and each will focus on a particular aspect of the environment. We hope to produce a longer report to include more details and specifics.

The focus of the first meeting was on the climate crisis, and the "spotlight" was on the Climate Coalition - which comprises four environmental groups. Each group explained their outlook:

• Havering FoE: the Havering Climate Action Plan needs more specific actions to be identified, and more priority put on preventing the climate crisis and less on "adapting" to it.
• Havering Cyclists: there was a need for more action on safer streets, and active travel.
• Havering XR: more work to involve the community in taking care of its environment, and Citizens' Assemblies to guide the authorities.
• Romford Quakers: climate change most seriously affects the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community, and is a social justice issue.

The first guest speaker, Mike Childs, Head of Science Policy and Research at Friends of the Earth reported on comparisons that had been done of different councils' Climate Action Plans. He said Havering needed more homes with sustainable heating, there are very poor facilities for cycling, and more EV charge points are needed. One third of Havering's neighbourhoods are "green space deprived". Nick Kingham, Project Manager for Havering Council identified a number of areas they were working on, and stressed the need for data and an evidence base for such actions as home insulation, and air pollution. Havering Volunteer Centre described a range of activities that are promoting environmental wellbeing including a green cafe, repair workshop, clothing up-cycling centre and a green streets campaign. Transport for London (TfL) was represented, and gave a presentation about the proposed extension of the ULEZ. (Please note that the consultation ends on 29th July).

We ended with a wide-ranging discussion. The meeting brought together a number of individuals and groups concerned about the environment, and showed how much is already being done. This should lead to constructive co-operation on the environment in Havering.