John Savage on shaping Southampton’s net zero future

City councillor John Savage has spent much of his life challenging injustice around the world. Today, that same sense of fairness drives his work much closer to home, as he tackles the impacts of climate change in Southampton.

John is the guest on episode 35 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast, where he reflects on his political journey, his upbringing, and his current role shaping the city’s response to the climate crisis.

Born in Liverpool, John has lived in Southampton for more than 13 years, raising his children and becoming deeply embedded in local life. He has served as a Southampton City Councillor for more than four years, supporting residents through casework and delivering a range of projects across his ward. After chairing the Planning and Rights of Way panel, he is now Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero.

John traces his political values back to his childhood. Brought up by his mother in a single-parent household after his father left when he was just one, he says she instilled in him a strong sense of what was fair and right. Her work in shipping also gave him an early international outlook, with his first holiday taken on a cargo ship and a fascination with stamps from around the world.

He says: “I was brought up with a strong sense of what was fair and what was right.

“That’s what still drives me making sure the transition to net zero works for everyone, not just those who can afford it.”

After completing a degree in politics and history, John travelled in Africa and Sudan, experiences that deepened his desire to make a positive difference. He went on to work as a teacher for 17 years, including four years supporting people with learning disabilities, before entering local politics.

Today, his focus is firmly on the environment and the city’s transition to net zero. 

He tells us: “Climate change is already affecting people’s lives in Southampton.

“The poorest residents find it hardest to keep cool in summer and warm in winter, and that inequality is only going to grow if we don’t act. This isn’t a future problem, it’s happening now.”

Southampton has already taken steps to change how people move around, with new bus lanes and more protected cycle routes aimed at making travel safer and reducing emissions. The city was also the first in the UK to develop geothermal energy, a story John believes Southampton can “sell really well” as plans progress to unlock more of that potential.

However, the challenges are significant. As a major port city, Southampton faces high emissions from maritime activity, alongside constraints in its electrical supply. John highlights the complexity of decarbonising transport, buses and the cruise industry without major investment in clean, reliable electricity infrastructure. He is currently working closely with the network operator to accelerate that change.

Climate change is already being felt locally. John points to droughts, extreme heat and the impact on green spaces such as Southampton Common, where low rainfall and high temperatures have caused lakes to dry and wildlife to suffer. Protecting biodiversity, including rare species like great crested newts, is a growing concern. At the same time, he stresses that climate change disproportionately affects the poorest residents, who struggle most to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer, especially amid rising fuel costs.

Looking ahead, John is cautiously optimistic about meeting the city’s climate targets. 

He believes progress on geothermal energy, electric infrastructure and waste reduction can make a real difference. 

Housing remains a key issue, particularly in the private rented sector, and he argues for national legislation to ensure all homes are clean, efficient and affordable to run. His ambition is for more zero-energy homes, widespread solar panels and heat pumps, supported by schemes such as Solar Together.

John also sees major opportunities for jobs. With two universities, the Port of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre, the city is well placed to develop new industries and skills, from renewable energy to sustainable construction.

In his own life, John tries to practise what he preaches. 

He cycles regularly, uses an e-bike, has solar panels on his roof and plans to replace his gas boiler with a heat pump. 

“Those are all good steps,” he says. “Not everyone can do everything, but we can all do something.”

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