Sadiq Khan says climate policies helped secure three terms as London mayor

Résumé détaillé

Speaking at COP31 in Antalya, Sadiq Khan highlights cleaner transport, pedestrianisation and urban planning as examples of how climate action can benefit cities and voters.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Thursday that a pro-climate agenda could be an electoral asset rather than a political liability, arguing that his environmental policies helped him win three consecutive terms.

Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Khan said voters responded positively when climate policies were clearly communicated and delivered tangible benefits.

"If you explain your climate change policies in a good way, it's popular," he said, adding that his administration had won three elections while pursuing a pro-climate agenda.

Khan, who has served as mayor since 2016, said cities were increasingly taking action on climate crisis despite frustration with national governments. He described London as greener, safer, healthier and more prosperous during his tenure.

Khan said he had discussed urban development and climate action with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, drawing on Erdogan's experience as a former Istanbul mayor.

"Istanbul and London are sister cities. We have a lot in common," he said, adding that he planned to explore further cooperation with counterparts in Istanbul.

He warned that climate change was already disrupting daily life in London, citing heatwaves, temperatures reaching 40°C and school closures.

He said extreme weather was also increasing economic and public health costs, describing COP31 as an important platform for addressing the challenges.

Khan said London had made significant progress in tackling air pollution after experts warned during his first mayoral campaign that it could take 200 years to bring air quality within legal limits.

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