This week is London Climate Action Week (20-28th June), a city-wide campaign designed to raise awareness and encourage action on climate change taking place across the capital. Now in its eight year, the initiative brings together thousands of people in all capacities, from community groups and local authorities to businesses and policymakers, to explore solutions for a more sustainable future.
Before rain garden installation, Hounslow
After rain garden installation, Hounslow
The campaign comes at a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As the hottest May day in the UK was recorded last month, weather events like this are a testament to the intensity of the changing weather that directly impacts our communities. While the city continues growing, prolonged heatwaves and intense rainfall will only become more frequent and finding ways to make our spaces more resilient has never been more important.
At Meristem, our mission of Turning the Grey Green is built upon creating healthier, more climate resilient environments. Through our design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of green infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and our emphasis on leading our planting plans with biodiversity, we help transform hard, grey landscapes into functional and beautiful green spaces that are much better equipped to help our environment cope with the impacts of climate change.
This is achieved through a range of practical green interventions, including:
- Planting rain gardens to reduce surface water flood risk
- Introducing street trees to provide shade and increase urban cooling
- Ensuring pollinator-friendly planting is used to support biodiversity and other wildlife
Our projects demonstrate how green infrastructure can deliver multiple environmental and social benefits within the public realm, transforming the way that water, heat and sunlight is managed to protect our communities.
As London Climate Action Week continues on this very hot week, it's a reminder that responding to climate change is no longer something we simply need to prepare for, it is happening now. What we do today can have immediate impact on the climate as well as help mitigate long-term risks.
If you're interested in learning more about the initiative or are keen to get involved visit the London Climate Action Week website.
