I’m very pleased that Sustainable September is back for its third year!

While a huge amount of work is taking place across the borough to help tackle climate change, it’s also really important that we do what we can ourselves to prepare for its impacts.

Which is why the focus of this year’s Sustainable September campaign is to help people understand the challenges climate change presents and how to adapt to them.

Whether it’s signing up to flood warnings, collecting rainwater, switching to LED lights or trying your hand at growing at home, there are lots of things people can do - both big and small - that can help.

Our web pages are packed with practical information and tips to help us all adapt to the challenges which climate change presents, now and in the near future.

Like tips on saving water. Did you know that taking two minutes off the average 10 minute shower can save £73 a year on water and energy bills, and save 20 litres of water per person?

And as global temperatures rise, I know staying cool in the heat is a challenge many of us struggle with in the warmer months. Opening windows and closing curtains at the right time of day is a simple way we can keep our homes cooler.

As with previous years, I am happy to see so many environmental-minded groups and individuals taking part by running or attending the activities which have been taking place throughout the month.

From bat walks and bike maintenance sessions, to members of the public opening their ‘energy efficient homes’ for people to see solar panels and heat pumps in action, there has been a little bit of everything.

This year we have also introduced a number of challenges in which you can build a bug hotel, give your clothes a new lease of life, take part in a 10-day food waste challenge or join in an ‘Imaginalong’ with a local community group.

You can find a whole host of practical ideas and useful information, along with this year’s activities and challenges at www.kingston.gov.uk/climate.