Have your say in Lambeth's coronavirus recovery
2020 may not have been the year we had planned. Life as we knew it is seemingly gone for good, and as we navigate through these different (and no doubt unprecedented!) times, we are trying to reach some kind of ‘new normal’.
At Lambeth Friends of the Earth, we’re passionate about Lambeth being as fair and environmentally friendly as possible. With the climate emergency being an ever-pressing issue, we know that returning to the way things were is not an option. We need to take action, and now is the time to do so. We believe that the inevitable change that will be needed due to the coronavirus pandemic should be decided by taking a look at the way we live and build back better for the sake of our communities and our future.
We have launched a survey, to hear your ideas and views on how you think Lambeth can recover from coronavirus in a green and fair way. We will use your feedback to shape our agenda, to collaborate with Lambeth Council and make Lambeth a greener, healthier and better place to live.
The climate crisis deserves and depends on a community-led response that is centred on the voices of our local people, especially those historically disadvantaged and disproportionately affected by environmental and social problems. In this survey, we focus on the following priorities:
Health and wellbeing
We must prioritise the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community by investing in infrastructure which improves our quality of life, and helps prevent our healthcare services from being overburdened.
What would this look like to you? We want to know what you feel is important when it comes to your health and wellbeing, and what Lambeth can do to make a positive impact for you and your family.
Do you want more access to parks or green spaces?
Do you want to cycle or walk more, and for Lambeth to provide better infrastructure to make it safe to do so?
Is the air pollution in your neighbourhood is a health concern, and do you think it should it be a priority for the council?
What environmental policies do you think would have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing?
Read more about what policies Friends of the Earth are putting forward to prioritise health and wellbeing.
Green jobs and livelihoods
Instead of propping up polluting industries that destroy our environment, there is enormous benefit in investing in green jobs and livelihoods. By transitioning to renewable energy and developing sustainable careers, we would not only create tens of thousands of new jobs for people across the UK but ensure a cleaner, greener and secure future for our planet.
We want to know what policies you feel would be most successful in creating greener jobs in Lambeth. For more information about these policies, and how these jobs would be created, take a look at Friends of the Earth’s official recovery plan.
Fix the broken economy
For too long our economy has benefitted a small group of people, at the expense of the poorest and most vulnerable. The coronavirus pandemic has particularly highlighted the economic disparities that exist within our communities.
We should re-programme our economy so it works for everyone, as well as our planet. We want to know what you would like to see, whether that’s:
More funding to local councils, to invest in our local communities
Carbon tax for big polluters that are damaging our natural environment
An end to UK government investment in unsustainable programmes
For further information, take a look at Friends of the Earth’s proposals on fixing the economy.
Please take part in our survey, by sharing your ideas and views on how Lambeth can recover from coronavirus in a green and fair way and what actions you want to see from the government and local council going forward.
We will also be hosting an open forum on Wednesday 14 October for the Lambeth community to openly discuss how to recover from the pandemic, to come and share opinions, ideas and reasons for a Green and Fair recovery. The forum is open to all and will be hosted on Zoom. Register for free to join this event.
With credit to National Friends of the Earth: ‘Coronavirus – a green and fair recovery plan’