Climate change
Councils are currently assessing and adapting to increased climate change risks, while their pension funds set net-zero targets and integrate climate considerations into investments.
Councils are assessing and adapting to increased climate change risks, with the City of London noting in October 2026 that the risk score for extreme weather impacts on Hampstead Heath rose from 'possible' to 'likely'. Kingston Council is enhancing its civil contingency plans for extreme weather events, such as heat and flooding, as of September 2026. The City of London also secured future funding for its Cool Streets and Greening programme in July 2026 to enhance resilience to hotter, drier summers.
Council pension funds are setting net-zero targets and integrating climate considerations into investments. Hackney Pension Fund set a net-zero emissions target by 2040 in September 2026, having reduced its carbon footprint by 29.4% since 2023. In July 2026, the Westminster Pension Fund Board identified climate change as a significant risk, urging its explicit inclusion in the fund's risk register. Lewisham Pension Fund updated its investment strategy in March 2026 to include revisions to its Carbon Transition to Net Zero Policy.
Other initiatives include Enfield Council backing a motion in September 2026 for greater water sustainability and engagement with water companies for new reservoirs. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow expansion in August 2026, citing concerns over climate change. Hackney Council approved a contract for a new heat network in July 2026, expected to reduce lifetime carbon emissions by over 100,000 tonnes.
Key facts
- Hampstead Heath's climate change risk score for extreme weather impacts rose from 'possible' to 'likely' in October 2026. Source
- Hackney Pension Fund set a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 in September 2026. Source
- Hackney Pension Fund reduced its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint by 29.4% between March 2023 and March 2026. Source
- Enfield Council backed a motion for greater water sustainability in September 2026. Source
- Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow expansion in August 2026, citing climate change concerns. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
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 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.