The scorching summer of 2026 has served as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of climate denial. Europe is ablaze, with record-breaking heatwaves and devastating wildfires ravaging the continent. The UK, in particular, has been grappling with its own heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 34 degrees Celsius and wildfires forcing evacuations. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a long-term pattern of extreme weather events. The climate emergency is here, and the voices of denial and delay are growing louder, yet their arguments are bogus and dangerous.
As the mayor of London, I have been at the forefront of the fight against climate change. When I was first elected in 2016, I declared a climate emergency and introduced green policies to combat the crisis. However, I have faced relentless opposition from a coalition of climate deniers and delayers who have sought to discredit my efforts. They argue that green policies are a luxury and that the climate crisis is a hoax, but these arguments are patently absurd.
The reality is that the climate crisis is getting worse, and the impacts are already being felt. In London, we have planted over 640,000 trees, embraced rewilding, and created green spaces to prevent flooding. We have also reduced our carbon emissions by a quarter and achieved legal limits for nitrogen oxide levels almost two centuries early. However, we cannot do it alone; national governments must step up and meet the gravity of the moment with renewed focus, funding, and resolve.
The notion that climate action represents 'woke nonsense' relies on the ridiculous premise that the climate crisis isn't real. This year has proven just how wrong that is. We are living in an era of extremes, and without urgent action, the worst is still to come. Climate denial and delay are not just delusional; they are deadly. The price of failure will be paid by the rest of us, not just President Trump and the fossil fuel companies.
It is time to turn the tide on climate denial by preparing for a hotter future and embracing net zero like never before. We must act now to protect our planet and the people who call it home. The future of our planet and our children's future depends on it.
