A seven-step guide to winning support for tough action on climate change - the first book from the Mayor of London,Sadiq Khan.
For many years,Sadiq wasn't fully aware of the dangers posed by air pollution,nor its connection with climate change. Then,at the age of 43,he was unexpectedly diagnosed with adult-onset asthma - brought on by the polluted London air he had been breathing for decades.
Scandalised,Sadiq underwent a political transformation that would see him become one of the most prominent global politicians fighting (and winning) elections on green issues. Since becoming Mayor of London in 2016,he has declared a climate emergency,introduced the world's first Ultra-Low Emission Zone,built hundreds of kilometres of new cycle lanes,led a drive for affordable insulation in council homes,and turned London into the first ever'National Park City'.
But with every year bringing more wildfires,extreme temperatures and flooding - and with around 4,000 people still dying prematurely from London's polluted air every year,with older,working class and ethnic minority Londoners most affected - there is so much more to do.
Now,Sadiq draws on his experiences to identify the seven ways environmental action gets blown off course. And he reveals how to get it back on track,by:
- Proving to sceptics that the climate crisis is a health crisis too;- Overcoming voters'cynicism by building coalitions across the political spectrum;- Shaking hands with everyone from your fiercest opponents to the most steadfast climate activists (even if you're a bit worried they might superglue you).
Breathe is a call to action demonstrating how anyone - whether voter,activist or politician - can win the argument on climate. It will help create a world where we can all breathe again.
Publisher: CornerstoneISBN: 9781529152784Number of pages: 224Weight: 320 gDimensions: 218 x 140 x 26 mm
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A warm,optimistic,urgent call for changeThe strategic lessons he imparts mark him out as an exemplar for an age of climate breakdown...Deserves to be widely read...Breathe is a breath of fresh air,offering an antidote to cynicism and demonstrating the power of a politics that aims to bring people together in the search for solutions.A true climate leader...Sadiq recognises that the struggles for social justice and climate justice cannot be separated but go hand-in-handPractical and highly readable...For those wanting evidence that climate policies need not be the political kryptonite so many politicians fear,Khan's book makes a convincing - and uplifting - case.If you want to build a greener world,you need to win people round to green politics. This remarkable book offers a transformative insight into howHilarious,uplifting and yet often unexpectedly moving,Breathe reveals what life as Mayor is really like - and offers powerful tools for anyone who wants to win the argument on climateSince his election,Mayor Sadiq Khan has shown the world that transformative green politics is possibleCombines laugh-out-load anecdotes with real insight into delivering effective action for climate...An absolute must read for anyone interested in politics for progressive changeSadiq Khan's outstanding leadership on climate change has put London at the forefront of the global effort to stop it. This book shows the importance of doing more,fasterThis funny,thoughtful and empowering book is filled with fascinating glimpses into life at City Hall...A powerful and practical riposte to anyone losing hope in the ability of politicians to tackle the climate crisisIt doesn't get much more fundamental than our right to breathe clean air and Sadiq Khan's hard-hitting book propels this issue into our consciousnessCities are where we will lose or win the climate change battle. This book offers a compelling torch of light on the path forwardAt 43,the Mayor of London was diagnosed with adult-onset asthma - brought on by the polluted capital city air. Breathe is his rousing and thoughtful investigation into the politics of the climate crisis - and the path forward.An accessible,salutary read - well-written and sprinkled with anecdotes.Very hopeful and interesting.A slick read,passionate and authentic on climate issues.Inspiring,passionate,a great read!For those feeling disheartened by the scale of the environmental crisis - and the lack of meaningful action on behalf of most political leaders - Breathe is a refreshing and galvanising call to action.Quite the page-turner.An eye-opening insight into what it's like trying to fight for the planet from inside the decision-makers.
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