Better Futures Australia and Cities Race to Zero Campaigns
Further information for Australian Councils
There are a number of opportunities for Australian councils to collaborate nationally and internationally towards, at and beyond the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021. The immediate opportunities for 2021 are:
The Better Futures Australia Declaration is a joint statement of support that brings together private and public sector leaders in taking ambitious climate action and jointly calling for credible national climate policy to ensure Australia is on track for a prosperous, climate-resilient zero emissions future, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Supported by CANA and multiple partner organisations, this campaign spreads across all sectors of society and the economy, working to diversify the traditional climate movement .
Cities Race to Zero is a global campaign, led by the UNFCCC, that brings together an unprecedented coalition of local councils committed to act on climate change. This campaign will be important in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow, where we hope all countries will be making even more ambitious commitments to reach zero emissions. After COP26 the ‘Race to Zero’ will continue to be a platform for recognition, networking, and climate action for the coming years.
This campaign is organised by a cohort of global city networks including C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), CDP, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Benefits of the campaigns
These campaigns share a similar mission – in that they are both aiming to increase the commitment to and collective ambition of climate action in cities. Joining both is encouraged to ensure the maximum profile for each council and demonstration of the partnerships needed to meet climate targets. There are, however, also some minor but important differences, related to area of impact and eligibility requirements, which are outlined below.
Better Futures Australia and Cities Race to Zero
What’s the difference?
Better Futures Australia is a “catch-all” campaign designed for all sectors including Australian councils, to collaborate on climate action by tapping into city and cross-sector experience and learnings within Australia.
Cities Race to Zero is a campaign specific for local governments worldwide, and most applicable for Australian councils already committed to a climate journey to raise the climate ambition and tap into the experience and resources of international cities and networks.
Better Futures Australia - National (within Australia)
Mission : Private and public sector leaders working together to raise climate ambition in Australia.
Duration : 2021
Who can pledge? Self-defined authority (e.g., Mayor, Councillor, CEO). Authority to represent your organisation is dependent on your organisation’s structure. You will likely know best if you are a qualified representative!
Emission reduction targets: Net zero pledge
Reporting and ongoing support: Encouraged, but not required.
Cities Race to Zero - National and International
Mission : Councils and networks working together to raise the global climate ambition: commit to keeping global warming below 1.5°C and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Duration: 2021 and beyond
Who can pledge? Head of organization (e.g., usually by the Mayor) Often this is discussed and debated through a council report, notice of motion or assessment of whether it already fits within council policy or previous decisions.
Emission reduction targets: Net zero by 2050, and interim 2030 science-based target
Reporting and ongoing support: Reporting is standardised and transparent so as to aggregate results and report on ambitions. Support is available to help cities report progress during 2021 -2022 and to review climate actions
How to sign up
These campaigns are not mutually exclusive, and if your council is eligible, we encourage you to sign up to both. Below you will find a list of criteria required to sign up to each campaign.
To pledge for local and national action sign BFA, to pledge for national and international action-sign up to Cities Race to Zero, the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) or ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.
Better Futures Australia
Commit to:
- Taking climate actions through individual effort and collaboration to ensure Australia contributes to limiting average global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Showcasing new climate commitments and actions to inspire other Australians to realise zero emissions opportunities.
- Advocating for a national response that will deliver action at the scale required to reach net zero emissions well before 2050
- Working together, alongside and in partnership with Federal, State and Local Government leadership, to support the delivery of the Paris Agreement.
Endorse:
We recognise that responding to climate change requires all of us to act, alongside and in partnership with Federal, State and Local Government leadership. We invite all Australians to join us in helping to ensure our nation can, and will, meet its commitment under the Paris Agreement.
Sign up here: https://www.betterfutures.org.au/sign_the_declaration (general sign up not council specific)
Cities Race to Zero
Commit to:
- Pledge: at the head of organization level to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible, and by mid-century at the latest.
- Set an interim 2030 target that reflects maximum effort toward or beyond a fair share of 50% of global emissions reduction.
- Plan: within 12 months of joining, have plans for achieving both interim and longer-term targets.
- Proceed: with immediate and meaningful action toward achieving net zero – (Choose one action from the list)
- Publish: report progress no later than 2022 on public platform
Endorse the following principles:
1. Recognise the climate emergency
2. Commit to keeping global heating below the 1.5°C goal
3. Commit to inclusive decision making
4. Invite and partner with others to recognise the global climate emergency
Note: if your council is a member of ICLEI Oceania or Global Covenant of Mayors GCoM, you likely already qualify for Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience.
Contact ICLEI on oceania@iclei.org.
Who do should I contact for more information?
Queries on the Better Futures Australia Declaration can be directed to Lisa Cliff
Queries on how to sign up to Cities Race to Zero can be directed to ICLEI Oceania or phone +61 3 9639 8688
Where can I find out more about these campaigns?
Councils can find out more information on each campaign, and how to sign up, in the corresponding websites for Better Futures Australia and Cities Race to Zero.
There will be a series of national events in the lead up to COP26, where Australian councils can access more information about each campaign and listen to other leaders and advocates speak. Below are the currently available events, with more to be announced in the coming months.
National Better Futures Forum (17 – 19 August 2021) – Better Futures Australia session
Glasgow Climate Change Conference COP26 (1 – 11 November 2021)
Where can I access resources and support to help my council meet the pledge commitments?
A range of tools and resources are available on the Cities Race to Zero resources page, including guidelines for setting a science-based target, how-to guides for implementing inclusive and equitable climate action, and access to platforms for reporting. Contact ICLEI Oceania for further advice.
What if my council has already signed up to Global Covenant of Mayors GCoM
As a signatory of the Global Covenant of Mayors – Oceania your city is already working toward decarbonising your economy, making your council more resilient to the effects of climate change and providing sustainable and affordable energy to your community.
The Cities Race to Zero campaign offers a new, voluntary opportunity for raising your city’s current ambition, setting science-based targets and to showcase ambitious action at global level, and in the run up to COP26.
Often the setting of a science based community wide net zero target is something over and above current endorsed approaches and may take time to develop and approve. There is of course no obligation for GCoM Signatories to join the Race to Zero but if you choose this path there will be assistance provided in 2021 and 2022.
Cities Race To Resilience
The Race to Resilience is a global campaign run by the COP26 Presidency and High-Level Climate Champions to rally leadership and support from cities, regions, businesses and investors to help frontline communities build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Race to Resilience aims to catalyse action by non-state actors to build the resilience of 4 billion people from vulnerable groups and communities to climate risks.
The Cities Race to Resilience is one of the initiatives under the Race to Resilience campaign, focused on driving cities to join and pledge their commitment to the global fight against climate change.
The Cities Race to Resilience offers cities themselves the unique opportunity to showcase action and drive ambition, according to their own contextually relevant local landscape.
We invite cities to take this crucial step, be a catalyst for change, and join the Race to Resilience to demonstrate your commitment in being part of the most decisive year in climate action history.
We, as cities, need to go further, faster, and deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement in full. Working collaboratively, we can win the race to resilience.
All cities and local governments re invited to join the Race to Resilience by pledging to do the following:
Pledge to integrate climate change adaptation and resilience in all aspects of urban planning and undertake a community-wide climate risk and vulnerability assessment that includes all vulnerable communities;
Plan to use available climate change knowledge and scientific evidence, including data and spatial analysis, for decision-making and action, and outline interim targets and milestones as part of a long-term commitment for citywide climate action;
Immediately proceed to taking action by committing to at least one of the resilience actions as listed on our join page by COP26; and,
Report commitments by COP26, and progress annually thereafter, to an existing or recommended reporting platform. If you have not reported before, you will be contacted by partners for support.
ICLEI Oceania can provide support for you to join and complete the required commitment. We will also feature your city or local council at local, national and international events.
Contact oceania@iclei.org for more information
Cities Race To Zero
Cities Race to Zero is a campaign for cities by cities to inspire commitments and action from their peers around the world and channel the best available tools and expertise to help them stay on track with 1.5°C. The objective of Cities Race to Zero is to recruit 1000 cities by COP26.
The Cities Race to Zero is organised by C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), CDP, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the World Resources Institute (WRI).
It is an official partner and the city track of the COP26 Race to Zero, designed to help cities meet the Race’s commitment criteria using the best available tools and expertise available.
The Cities Race to Zero pledge asks that you do the following:
1. Publicly endorse the following principles:
We recognise the global climate emergency.
We are committed to keeping global heating below the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement.
We are committed to putting inclusive climate action at the center of all urban decision-making, to create thriving and equitable communities for everyone.
We invite our partners – political leaders, CEOs, trade unions, investors, and civil society – to join us in recognising the global climate emergency and help us deliver on science-based action to overcome it.
2. Pledge to reach (net)-zero in the 2040s or sooner, or by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°Celsius.
3. In advance of COP26, explain what steps will be taken toward achieving net zero, especially in the short- to medium-term. Set an interim target to achieve in the next decade, which reflects a fair share of the 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030 identified in the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°Celsius.
4. Immediately proceed to planning at least one inclusive and equitable climate action as listed on www.citiesracetozero.org that will help to place your city on a resilient pathway consistent with the 1.5°Celsius objective of the Paris Agreement and begin implementation no later than 2022.
5. Report progress annually, beginning no later than 2022 to your usual reporting platform.
ICLEI Oceania is able to provide direct support for local council and cities interested in joining Cities Race to Zero . This includes assisting with Science Based Target, Reporting through the nominated reporting system and improving climate action plans. For more information contact oceania@iclei.org
What are the benefits of joining Cities Race to Zero?
The main benefit of joining the Cities Race to Zero is to gain access to the COP26 Race to Zero but there are many more benefits such as:
- Race to Zero membership: joining Cities Race to Zero automatically makes your city a part of the Race to Zero run by the COP26 Presidency and High-Level Climate Champions and ensures formal recognition for your efforts by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). By bringing a clear focus on immediate action, equity and local coalition building, this campaign will establish our cities as the global leaders and strongest champions of the Paris Agreement and equitable climate action ahead of COP26 in Glasgow.
- Leadership and visibility as part of a global movement capable of changing the world, for example drumbeat of events and announcements leading up to COP26 in Glasgow, Nov 1-12 2021 when new commitments to Cities Race to Zero will be celebrated.
- Endorsements by partners and access to some of their initiatives.
- Access to a range of tools and resources to set or increase the ambition of your city’s science based target and resources to support the implementation of your inclusive and equitable climate action.
What if I am already a member of GCOM Oceania?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cities Race to Zero?
Like any race, Race to Zero has many tracks for different stakeholders. Cities Race to Zero is the official track for cities. It is especially designed to help them meet the “Race” criteria and access the best available expertise along the way.
The Cities Race to Zero is organised by C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), CDP, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the World Resources Institute (WRI). It is an official partner and the city track of the COP26 Race to Zero, designed to help cities meet the Race’s commitment criteria using the best available tools and expertise available.
Cities Race to Zero is a campaign for cities by cities to inspire commitments and action from their peers around the world and channel the best available tools and expertise to help them stay on track with 1.5°C. The objective of Cities Race to Zero is to recruit 1000 cities by COP26.
How do I join Cities Race to Zero?
To join Cities Race to Zero please go to the online portal at: www.citiesracetozero.org where the mayor, council leader (or equivalent) is asked to sign the Cities Race to Zero pledge and follow the step by step process to completing your Cities Race to Zero commitment.
The Cities Race to Zero pledge is fully aligned with the criteria of the Race to Zero and specifically designed to speak to cities and direct them to the most impactful climate actions for the community. It is also aligned with the Global Covenant of Mayors commitments.
You will be invited to take the Cities Race to Zero pledge through a secured online form. Once you have submitted your pledge we will direct you to the next relevant step for your city: i.e. , disclosure, target setting, action planning or reporting and point you to the relevant resources along the way.
What is the Cities Race to Zero pledge?
The Cities Race to Zero pledge, that we require cities to sign to be a part of the Race, is fully aligned with the required minimum criteria of the Race to Zero. Cities should sign it online at www.citiesracetozero.org
The Cities Race to Zero pledge asks that you do the following:
1. Publicly endorse the following principles:
We recognise the global climate emergency.
We are committed to keeping global heating below the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement.
We are committed to putting inclusive climate action at the center of all urban decision-making, to create thriving and equitable communities for everyone.
We invite our partners – political leaders, CEOs, trade unions, investors, and civil society – to join us in recognising the global climate emergency and help us deliver on science-based action to overcome it.
2. Pledge to reach (net)-zero in the 2040s or sooner, or by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°Celsius.
3. In advance of COP26, explain what steps will be taken toward achieving net zero, especially in the short- to medium-term. Set an interim target to achieve in the next decade, which reflects a fair share of the 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030 identified in the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°Celsius.
4. Immediately proceed to planning at least one inclusive and equitable climate action as listed on www.citiesracetozero.org that will help to place your city on a resilient pathway consistent with the 1.5°Celsius objective of the Paris Agreement and begin implementation no later than 2022.
Report progress annually, beginning no later than 2022 to your usual or the recommended reporting platform.
As a member of the Cities Race to Zero, will I gain access to other initiatives?
Joining the Cities Race to Zero is compatible with the following partner initiatives:
Global Covenant of Mayors City Commitments: your pledge meets the GCoM requirements for mitigation targets and may be paired with commitments to climate resilience and energy access for full compliance with the Common Reporting Framework. More information and support will be available through your Regional Covenant: https://www.globalcovenantofmayors.org/journey/
ICLEI: through ICLEI Climate Neutrality Framework embedded in its GreenClimateCities (GCC) Program the ICLEI network will receive guidance on how to accelerate climate action through ICLEI’s 5 Pathways to urban sustainability. Reporting via the GCC is done through the CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System. Please visit: https://iclei.org/en/climate_neutrality.html
CDP: Race to Zero reporting can be done through the CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System. CDP’s free to use platform streamlines your climate reporting to different initiatives, such as GCoM. It improves transparency, offers access to events and webinars, and provides insights to identify areas where you can improve.
The C40 Global Green New Deal: The Cities Race to Zero is part of C40’s broader effort to build a Global Green New Deal coalition of cities, governments, businesses, labor unions, investors, youth, and civil society to deliver inclusive climate action and a green and just recovery from COVID-19, consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Cities Race to Zero commitment qualifies any city to be a part of the C40 Global Green New Deal coalition. C40 will be in touch with signatories about how they can participate.
The One Planet City Challenge (OPCC): with your pledge and progress reporting we invite you to participate in this friendly global competition where cities’ climate action plans are assessed and frontrunners are recognized. The OPCC also provides guidance on science-based targets, and strategic feedback on your climate action package: https://wwf.panda.org/opcc
UCLG: through its Ecological Transition Strategy will promote city engagement in a path towards the Race to Zero. It will further facilitate the engagement of other city networks through the Global Taskforce.
Do I need to join Cities Race to Zero to be part of the Race to Zero?
Yes. Like any race, Race to Zero has many tracks for many different stakeholders (businesses, regions, investors, universities, etc.). Cities Race to Zero is the track for cities. It is especially designed to help them meet the Race’s criteria and access the best available expertise along the way. All cities joining the Cities Race to Zero are automatically then part of the larger Race to Zero. It is not possible to join the Race to Zero directly via the UNFCCC or COP26 website.
When should I join the Cities Race to Zero?
Cities can join the Race to Zero via the Cities Race to Zero portal at any time before COP26.
Who should sign the Cities Race to Zero pledge?
We ask that only mayors, council leaders of equivalent individuals at the head of their city or local government sign the pledge. Staff members may fill the online form on their behalf with their authorisation.
When will my commitment be announced?
After submitting your signed pledge via the Cities Race to Zero platform, the team will check it for completeness and will be in touch with you if needed. Your pledge will not be announced right away.
New commitments to the Race to Zero are announced at momentous occasions where we believe they can have the biggest impact with the media, global community and send effective signals to the national governments parties of the UNFCCC who are expected to enhance their own climate pledges.
New commitments will be celebrated during a drumbeat of events and announcements leading up to COP26 in Glasgow, Nov 1-12 2021.
Previous Race to Zero announcements were made at the 2019 UNSG’s Climate Action Summit, COP25, New York Climate Week 2020, the 2020 Race to Zero Dialogues and the 2020 Climate Ambition Summit.
Will cities know in advance when their commitment will be announced?
Yes, cities will be informed when their commitments will officially be announced.
When can I announce my commitment?
Cities can announce their Race to Zero commitment at any point after it has been formally announced by the Cities Race to Zero campaign. A communications toolkit will be shared with the Cities Race to Zero signatory cities to support them in communicating their commitment and promoting the Cities Race to Zero.
What should I do after joining Cities Race to Zero?
After crossing the starting line of the Race to Zero, cities should immediately take action on their pledge:
Start developing and adopting climate targets consistent with a 1.5°C trajectory, including developing and adopting a 2030 target (that represents your city’s fair share of the global 50% emissions reduction needed) and a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
Commit to at least one action ahead of COP26 from the Cities Race to Zero actions catalogue.
Report the information you have in 2021, even if incomplete, then by 2022 report your target and thereafter report progress annually on your usual reporting platform or the recommended one.
Cities Race to Zero partners are available all along the way to support cities in their race.
What support is available to cities who join the Cities Race to Zero ?
We are conscious that not all cities will easily be able to meet the ambitious criteria of the Race to Zero, which is by design about high ambition in accordance with science. However the Cities Race to Zero partners are striving to give newly committed cities the simplest and most supportive experience possible. Technical support, resources and tools developed by the partners are forthcoming.
In the meantime, the following are presently available:
A guide to develop science-based climate targets, developed by the Science Based Targets Network’s core cities partners is available to all cities with guidance on different target setting methodologies.
A catalogue of actions has been compiled by the Cities Race to Zero partners to help cities choose the most relevant action to commit to as part of their pledge. Deriving from the science-based C40 Declarations and built on a framework of equity and inclusion. Research shows that these actions can deliver 90%-100% of the emission reductions required by 2030 on the pathway to neutrality. They have been put together for the Cities Race to Zero – per sector – ranging across different levels of ambition so that cities can commit to at least one action based on where they are in their particular climate action journey. Should a city find no action they can commit to, there is room to propose additional ones. These actions are consistent with the principles of the Global Green New Deal and are appropriate for both Global South and Global North cities alike.
Knowledge Hub resources: technical information, implementation guides, policy briefs and case studies for the actions in the catalogue are available on the C40 Knowledge Hub along with resources from partners too.
A Climate Action Planning Resource Centre, developed by C40: a wide range of resources and tools to support city climate planners in the process of delivering action consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), provides strategic feedback to participating cities to guide them on the most effective action plans and science based targets aligned with the Race to Zero criteria.
Targets and Reporting
What should my city do if it already has a science-based 1.5°C compliant climate target?
You should report it through the Cities Race to Zero reporting platforms in 2021: CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System. Science Based targets will be assessed and feedback provided to help select and improve measures to reach that target and be recognised for your contribution.
If you don’t currently report using CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System, make sure you have provided this information in your pledge (choose: I don’t currently report in the dropdown menu). You will be contacted by someone at Cities Race to Zero for guidance on reporting. If you have any questions please contact helpdesk.oceania@iclei.org
What should I do if my city does not currently have a science-based 1.5°C compliant climate target?
You will need to start developing one or updating your existing target, then adopt and report it no later than by 2022. The good news is that the CRTZ partners have allocated people and resources to help you develop a SBT using the appropriate methodology.
If doing this yourself or with outside help we recommend that you use the Science Based Targets methodology guide released by the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN), to learn more about science-based targets and the most appropriate methodology for your city. The Cities Race to Zero partners can provide guidance and support in this process. If you need guidance please contact us at helpdesk.oceania@iclei.org
If you don’t currently report, make sure you have provided this information in your pledge (choose: I don’t currently report in the dropdown menu). You will be contacted by someone at Cities Race to Zero for guidance on reporting. If you have any questions please contact us at helpdesk.oceania@iclei.org
What should I do if I’m not sure if my city’s target is science-based and 1.5°C compliant?
First you will need to make sure it is reported through the Cities Race to Zero verified platforms: CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System. Only reported targets can be evaluated against the Cities Race to Zero criteria. Someone from Cities Race to Zero team will be in touch if your target needs updating . Your updated target should be reported no later than 2022.
If you don’t currently report, make sure you have provided this information in your pledge (choose: I don’t currently report in the dropdown menu). You will be contacted by someone at Cities Race to Zero for guidance on reporting. If you have any questions please contact us at helpdesk.oceania@iclei.org
Do I need to report annually on both my science based target and climate action?
Yes, reporting on progress for Cities Race to Zero is important to enable tracking of progress against commitments. Begin by reporting the information you have in 2021, even if this is incomplete. For cities who report annually to CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System, there is no additional reporting requirement.
My city has not been reporting its climate data publicly due to lack of capacity. What can I expect from this process?
For cities already familiar with reporting through the CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System there will be no added reporting effort required. In 2021, cities that have not reported before will get support to ease them into the process to ensure this transition is not burdensome. Contact helpdesk.oceania@iclei.org for more information.