Earlier this month at the Green Guardian Awards ceremony (Friday 12 October) , Merton Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport Management Councillor Tariq Ahmad called for greater efforts to reduce climate change. He spoke to an audience of Merton’s eco-friendly residents about sustainability and the challenges posed by global warming.

Cllr Tariq Ahmad spoke about the actions we can all take to become more energy efficient, including changing a light bulb to an energy-efficient one and recycling waste. He also spoke of the importance of more involved actions such as lobbying manufactures to produce environmentally-friendly cars.

The Councillor said: ‘At Merton we are committed to putting the Green agenda at the heart of all we do. Our climate change strategy is being finalised in terms of outlining the Council’s approach. We have already taken major steps to tackle the challenges we are facing including waste management, recycling and alternative energy sources.

‘We are also acting as the lead on new developments and their use of sustainable energy sources as part of the Merton Rule, which, as part of the Local Development Framework process, we wish to extend to include all residential properties.’

Cllr Tariq concluded by saying: ‘Our support of the Green Guardian Awards underlines our commitment to recognise the efforts made by the community in tackling climate change. The time for action is now, not tomorrow.’

Ends

Notes to Editor

Winners from each borough will go through to regional final held at Queen’s Stand, Epsom on Friday 16 November.

This years Green Guardian Awards were held at the Wimbledon Odeon.
Picture of Cllr Tariq Ahmad giving a speech at the Awards Ceremony is available.