• AMID the gloomy news about pollution in London and uncertainty about climate change, there is some hope.

June 23 to July 8 is Community Energy Fortnight, a celebration of the work of hundreds of volunteers around the country, including Power Up North London (PUNL) that has projects in Camden and Islington.

Crowdsourcing funding from local neighbourhoods we are contributing to London’s green infrastructure, installing solar panels on churches, city farms, in parks and GP practices.

Since being installed last year, the solar panels installed on PUNL’s first project at St Anne’s church, Highgate, has saved more 9.2t CO2 and generated 19,001 kWh of clean energy.

This approach is a great opportunity to cut carbon emissions, cut pollution and democratise energy ownership.

While central government has slashed support for this kind of work, the Mayor of London and progressive councils such as Camden and Islington have been very supportive. Community energy provides a real opportunity to green-up London.

It’s time to make it happen. PUNL will be launching its second community share offer this summer.

You can find out more at: www.powerupnorthlondon.org.

DR JOANNA MACRAE
NW5