Mayor Johnson’s metamorphism into eco-warrior

London Mayor Boris Johnson today pledged to make Britain’s largest city the eco-capital of the world.

This represents a major turnaround for the conservative politician, who once lambasted ‘eco-moralists’ for speaking ‘mumbo-jumbo’ and compared the fear of global warming to ’stone age religion’.

Keen to escape his reputation as an eco-sceptic, Johnson said he wants London to become a world leader in reducing carbon emissions and constructing an economy based upon green energy.

In addition, Johnson plans to give London’s green spaces a makeover, and to encourage city dwellers to switch to using electric cars.

Johnson said the financial crisis provides a brilliant opportunity to reinvent London’s economy around green businesses.

A new focus on developing eco-technology could create thousands of jobs for Londoners, Johnson added.

The Mayor promised substantially increased investment in small scale renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power to be used in homes and communities.

Johnson also encouraged householders to save money by consuming less energy and reducing their carbon footprints.

Ten thousand homes across London will take part in a pilot scheme which will pay them to recycle with vouchers for supermarkets, DIY stores and newsagents.

Among Johnson’s other plans for the capital are LED street lamps and traffic lights, a cycle hire scheme and ten low carbon zones.