A new report by ClimateWorks Australia examining Australia’s 57 largest local governments has found all are committed to reducing emissions, and nearly 40 per cent are committed to reach net zero community emissions by 2050.

The report also found 58 per cent of assessed councils intend to reach net zero emissions for their own operations by 2050. This is significant because local governments collectively manage over $380 billion in infrastructure and land.

The research was conducted by ClimateWorks Australia, with the Monash Sustainable Development Institute as part of the Net Zero Momentum Tracker initiative, and highlights members of ICLEI including Moreland, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and the Australian Capital Territory Government.

The report clearly shows that Australian local governments are not holding back on their efforts to reduce Australia’s national emissions. Contrasted with slow rates of change at national and international levels, local governments are making real and accelerated progress with local communities. While there’s work to be done, the fact that around 1 in 5 Australians now already live in a local government area committed to eliminating emissions is a hope that the remaining 79% will follow suit.