Johnson said it would be Barker’s job to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience on climate change to help London meet the environmental challenges posed by an expected population increase of 37 per cent from today’s levels.
Barker resigned from his role as energy and climate change minister in July and does not plan to stand for re-election as the MP for Battle and Bexhill in next year’s election.
Barker said: “I am delighted to be the new chair of the LSDC. The commission has a vital role to play in securing London’s sustainable economic future.”
The London sustainable development commission was set up in 2002 and is made up of experts from the economic, social, environmental and London governance sectors to ensure that sustainability is at the core of policies and strategies for London.
The aim of the commission under Barker’s leadership will be to accelerate the growth of low carbon industries in the capital to earn London a reputation as a centre for excellence in the use and development of green technologies. London is already the leading centre for low carbon finance and has built a worldwide reputation for financial and technical expertise.
Johnson said he is already consulting on an infrastructure plan that outlines the work required to allow the capital to continue to grow sustainably while keeping London a good city to live, work and invest in.