Transport for LondonStand tall against climate change
The trees once stood as high as Nelson's Column - 169 feet (more than 50 metres high).
The aim of the project - called Ghost Forest - is designed to highlight the connection between deforestation and climate change.
In the light of this art installation (www.ghostforest.org), here are just some of the measures the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) are working on to improve our quality of life.
On the vapour trail
Five hydrogen buses will join TfL's bus fleet next year, following confirmation that a hydrogen refuelling facility is to be built.
The new hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses will run between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway.
As the buses only emit water vapour, the move will help tackle climate change and reduce carbon dioxide.
Cycle revolution
Ambitious plans for a cycle revolution include the introduction of the London Cycle Hire Scheme and Cycle Superhighways to encourage people to switch to the cleanest, greenest form of transport.
Electric avenue
The Mayor has pledged to make London the electric car capital of Europe by achieving at least 25,000 vehicle charge points on the city's streets by 2015.
This will help to stimulate the UK's electric vehicle market, create 'green collar' jobs, cutcarbon emissions and improve air quality.
Ramping up recycling
Millions of free newspapers are distributed in the capital each week and many of these are left on Tube trains by passengers.
Last year, however, London Underground (LU) recycled 40 per cent of station and depot paper waste.
This was achieved by expanding a paper recycling collection scheme at stations and asking passengers to take their newspapers with them to recycle.
Clearing the air
The Mayor of London has set out, and is consulting on, his plans to improve London's air quality in a draft Air Quality Strategy, launched last month.
Proposals include:
- All taxis and minicabs being licensed for the first time from 2012 must meet stricter emission-regulating guidelines
- Phase three of the Low Emission Zone, covering larger vans and minibuses, will be introduced in 2012
- Campaigns, including 'action days', to encourage people to take action to cut pollution on the days of highest pollution concentrations, for example, cycling or walking on certain days and in certain areas
The consultation runs until November 30.
For more details visit www.london.gov.uk
