Breathe

Breathe

Seven Ways to Win a Greener World

Summary

'A breath of fresh air' Observer

'Passionate and authentic' GQ

'Refreshing and galvanising' Vogue

'Rousing and thoughtful' Independent

'Quite the page-turner' Evening Standard

To win the climate war, you first need to win the climate argument.

For many years, Sadiq wasn't fully aware of the dangers posed by air pollution, nor its connection with climate change. Then, aged 43, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with adult-onset asthma - brought on by the polluted London air he had been breathing for decades.

Scandalised, Sadiq underwent a political transformation that would see him become one of the most prominent global politicians fighting (and winning) elections on green issues. Since becoming Mayor of London in 2016, he has declared a climate emergency, introduced the world's first Ultra-Low Emission Zone, and turned London into the first-ever 'National Park City'.

Now, Sadiq draws on his experiences to reveal the seven ways environmental action gets blown off course - and how to get it back on track. Whether by building coalitions across the political spectrum, putting social justice at the heart of green politics, or showing that the climate crisis is a health crisis too, he offers a playbook for anyone - voter, activist or politician - who wants to win the argument on the environment.

It will help create a world where we can all breathe again.

Reviews

  • A warm, optimistic, urgent call for change
    Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland

About the author

Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London. Born and raised in Tooting, he began his career as a human rights lawyer before being elected to parliament in 2005. He was elected Mayor in 2016, and was re-elected in 2021 with a record number of votes for any sitting Mayor.

Sadiq became passionate about air pollution and climate change after developing asthma while training for the 2014 London Marathon. Since then, he has been on a mission to make London greener. Today, London is recognised around the world for its pioneering climate policies.

He still lives in Tooting, which he maintains is the best bit of the best city in the world.
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