Footprints of a Generation September 25, 2006

Future London: Footprints of a Generation Eco-Installation – London's Campaign for a Green Olympic Host City – Moves to the Science Museum

Future London: Footprints of a Generation, an eco-installation and campaign that focuses on London's plan to host the most 'green' Olympic and Paralympic Games on record to spotlight the city's campaign to tackle climate change will move to London’s Science Museum on September 25th where it will remain until 1st October before being broken up and sent to different locations across London.

Backed by London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Lord Sebastian Coe, Future London: Footprints of a Generation is an exciting new interactive eco-installation consisting of six 'arenas' that inform and challenge Londoners' attitudes to the environment. The exciting new campaign, which was initially housed at The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, aims to promote greener living in London by demonstrating how making small changes, such as recycling waste or buying locally sourced food, can make a positive impact on the environment. They include the sustainability principles that the Olympic and Paralympic Games embody.

Future London complements a programme of 'green' policies and active partnership proposals initiated by the Mayor of London. This includes the London Climate Change Agency which was set-up by the Mayor last year to tackle climate change through promoting and delivering decentralised and renewable energy projects. London is also the only major city in the world where people are shifting from cars to public transport, cycling and walking. The London congestion charge, a much improved bus network, a steadily improving Tube network and a big investment in cycling and walking have all helped to encourage people to travel more sustainably. The London Plan has also set the framework for London to develop in a more sustainable way, and London's Food Strategy sets out ways to reduce the impact of food systems on the environment, whilst increasing access to healthy, local food.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said, "I am determined that the Olympic and Paralympic Games helps to make London a more sustainable city. Future London: Footprints of a Generation offers an inspiring insight into how we can 'green' our lifestyles and our city. By making informed choices about how we live our lives now we can help avert catastrophic climate change. London is already establishing itself as a leading 'green' city - we all need to build on this success to build a better future for us all.”

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said he was delighted that the installation includes a dynamic arena highlighting London's plans to host a sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games which would generate important social, economic and environmental benefits for London.

"The London Olympic and Paralympic Games will leave a lasting legacy of community benefits including new venues and infrastructure, thousands of new jobs, affordable housing, skills and employment programmes and the biggest new community parkland in Europe for 150 years. This will help to advance the Mayor's plans for London's future as a city based around sustainable development," Coe said. "The London 2012 Games will also help to tackle important global issues such as climate change and inspire future generations to improve the planet's environment."

Supported by 'green' ambassadors Trudie Styler, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jo and Leah Wood and chef Oliver Rowe, Future London: Footprints of a Generation will showcase the Capital's determination to become an exemplar green city on a world stage.

Trudie Styler said, "I think we're realising now that each of us has a choice; either we chose a path that is sustainable and forward looking and support London's role in combating climate change or we choose a city that is wracked by pollution, congestion and the growing effects of global warming. To me the choice is obvious - I hope this inspirational eco-installation drives this message home."

"The aim is to shock visitors with how their everyday actions can have a devastating environmental impact and then provoke sustainable living amongst Londoners by demonstrating how individuals committing to small changes can collectively have a positive impact on the local and global environment" said James Bidwell, London Unlimited CEO.

At the end of the installation visitors will be invited to join other well know faces from politics, media and entertainment to make a personal video pledge, making a small commitment to lead a greener life.

Official Website: http://www.futurelondon.com