Issue

Climate change

25 stories · discussed at 16 council meetings · 20 councils

Hackney Pension Fund set a 2040 net zero target, while councils are enhancing extreme weather plans and addressing water sustainability.

Hackney Pension Fund set a net zero emissions target by 2040 in September 2026, reporting a 29.4% reduction in its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint since March 2023, as stated in its Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures report. This follows Westminster Pension Fund identifying climate change as a significant risk in July 2026, with members urging its explicit inclusion in the fund's risk register. Lewisham Pension Fund also updated its investment strategy in March 2026 to include a Carbon Transition to Net Zero Policy.

Councils are also focusing on local climate action and adaptation. Kingston Council updated its extreme weather plans in September 2026 to prepare for anticipated increases in events like extreme heat and flooding. Enfield Council backed a motion in September 2026 calling for greater water sustainability and new reservoirs to meet growing demands. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing climate change concerns.

Hackney Council approved a new heat network in July 2026, expected to reduce lifetime carbon emissions by over 100,000 tonnes. The council also published the timetable for its new Local Plan in July 2026, which will address climate change. Islington Council's Community Energy Fund supported six new projects to reduce carbon emissions in March 2026, and Hackney's Cabinet is scheduled to discuss climate change on October 6, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Hackney Pension Fund set a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Source
  2. Hackney Pension Fund reported a 29.4% reduction in its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint since March 2023. Source
  3. Enfield Council backed a motion in September 2026 calling for greater water sustainability. Source
  4. Kingston Council reviewed its corporate risk register on September 3, 2026, to enhance extreme weather plans. Source
  5. Hackney Council approved a contract for a new heat network in July 2026, expected to reduce lifetime carbon emissions by over 100,000 tonnes. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Hackney Pension Fund Sets 2040 Net Zero Target, Achieves Significant Carbon Footprint Reduction Hackney Pension Fund has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, a significant step in its commitment to tackling climate change within its investment... Hackney 26 September 2026
  2. Enfield Council Backs Water Sustainability Motion Enfield Council has backed a motion calling for greater water sustainability, urging engagement with water companies to support proposals for new reservoirs to meet the growing... Enfield 17 September 2026
  3. Extreme weather plans updated by Kingston Council Kingston Council is enhancing its civil contingency plans to better prepare for extreme weather events, following a challenging summer. The Audit, Governance and Standards... Kingston upon Thames 4 September 2026
  4. Surface access worries in Heathrow expansion response Richmond Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over surface access, noise, air... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  5. Council questions economic case for Heathrow growth Richmond upon Thames Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over the economic case,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  6. Richmond Council objects to Heathrow expansion Richmond Council has formally objected to the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport, citing significant concerns over noise, air quality, climate change, economic viability,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  7. New heat network for Colville and Britannia Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee has approved the award of a significant contract for the development of a new heat network serving the Colville... Hackney 19 July 2026
  8. Westminster Pension Fund Board Highlights Climate Change Risk and Seeks Explicit Inclusion in Risk Register The Westminster Pension Fund's Pension Board has identified climate change as a significant risk, with members urging for its more explicit inclusion in the fund's risk... Westminster 11 July 2026