In 2015 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ruled that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic" and a study published in 2020 from McGill University, CA indicates that glyphosate finds its way into waterways and reduces biodiversity.
Biodiversity (the variety of species) is vital to the health of the planet - our home. Thriving biodiversity creates resilient ecosystems that generate oxygen, clean our air and water, act as natural pest controls and help to pollinate plants, many of which we rely on for food.
In July 2019, the London Assembly called on London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, to initiate a plan to end the use of toxic glyphosate across the Greater London Authority (GLA).
As the GLA cannot dictate the policies of specific boroughs, adhering to this necessary change is the responsibility of each individual borough.
Hammersmith & Fulham successfully made this transition in 2016, while both Lambeth and Hackney are committed to phasing out glyphosate by 2021.
Towns across the UK have successfully demonstrated that adaption is possible - Lewisham now has an opportunity to be one of the trailblazers of this important movement towards protecting people and preserving biodiversity.
We call upon the council to begin the active process of phasing out glyphosate immediately, with complete transition within 12 months. Exceptions may be made for invasive species, which must be treated with stem injections only, until adequate non-chemical alternatives are available.
This ePetition ran from 16/03/2021 to 12/09/2021 and has now finished.
7 people signed this ePetition.
Lewisham has many award winning parks and open spaces that provide a safe and healthy environment for all to enjoy. Therefore, you can be assured that decisions we make in relation to the use of herbicides are based on science.
We are committed to reducing the amount of herbicides that we use and to assist us with this aim and allow us to meet the strategic environmental objective as set out within our Parks and Open Space Strategy 2020-2025 ‘To develop and trial an integrated weed control policy to avoid, explore alternatives to, and reduce the use of herbicide’ we have this year adopted our Integrated Weed Management Policy (IWMP).