Dr Penny Bramwell

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Current position/occupation 
Head of Environment and Sustainable Development Unit, Government Office for London (GOL)

Sustainability experience
Penny developed an interest in the environmental agenda, initially from the perspective of a research scientist. In 1995 she joined the Department for the Environment with a remit for developing the science policy on the impacts of climate change and a policy framework for adaptation. Since 2002, Penny has headed the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit at GOL.

Definition of sustainable development and why it is important for London
Sustainable development is multifaceted, but at its heart, this African proverb picks up the essence of what sustainable development means for me - ‘Treat the Earth well. It is not inherited from your parents, it is borrowed from your children’.

The priority London needs to focus on to become the world’s most sustainable city
Climate change needs to be the main focus in London. The opportunities for leadership on both mitigation and adaptation are second to none. I also consider that climate change and other pressures will sharpen inequalities in London and that this focus needs to go hand-in-hand with work to address these social inequalities.