London's next mayor: it matters who wins

Craig Bennett

26 April 2012

In exactly one week Londoners will go to the polls to decide who should be their next Mayor.

In an election where media coverage has focused more on Boris' blue language than what the candidates promise to do if they reach city hall, you'd be forgiven for thinking real issues are something of a sideshow.

So as the race for the polls comes to a close, does it really matter who runs London?

When it comes to the environment, our new joint analysis of the candidates shows it couldn't matter more: if you live in the capital and you care about your health and the environment you should care who runs London.

Boris and Ken may be neck and neck in the election but they are miles apart on green issues.

Our analysis with Greenpeace shows Boris has delivered on protecting London's green spaces, but in the choice over next mayor, Ken is in the lead on climate, transport, air pollution and energy.

And with air pollution now killing over 4000 Londoners prematurely every year, it matters for each and every one of us as much as it matters for the planet.

But for all of us - whether in London or elsewhere - cities will play a massive role in safeguarding our environment.

Like many big cities, London is melting a pot of innovation. So it's not surprising when inspiring green solutions like solar panels powering Brixton housing estates remind us of just what's possible, with or without green leadership.

And with more than 50% of the world's population now living in cities, these urban hubs could be the battle ground where a greener, safer world is won or lost.

While national governments are dragging their feet, it's cities across the world that are leading the way.

From Toronto to Stockholm, cities worldwide demonstrate the incredible green initiatives that are possible at scale - often far eclipsing the action of their domestic Governments.

But big cities have big responsibility.

London will have a decisive impact on Britain's ability to meet our national climate commitments and it will be key to drawing in global investment for UK green technology. The next Mayor has a critical job in making this happen.

As our analysis shows, the mayor could make or break London's prospects for clean air, safe public transport or unspoilt green spaces - all of the things that make cities more than just a bundle of big buildings and noisy streets.

Do you agree with our analysis of the candidates' relative greenness?

Is Jenny really the Queen of Green? Is Ken streets ahead of Boris? Or do you reckon Boris is the real Sultan of Sustainability?

Share the document to help us kick start the debate.