Cities are Australia’s secret net zero weapon

As we move into the critical decade for climate action, the ambition of local governments across Australia towards significant emissions reduction in their communities, make them the perfect partner, to deliver a national net zero target well before 2050.

Projects the width and breadth of Australia – from larger metropolitan councils to small regional towns have demonstrated global leadership throughout local council operations and the broader community.

In new research launched during the National Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), shows that, if all the targets set by Australian local governments were met an incredible 88,200 kt CO2e emissions would be reduced. This is equivalent to taking 20,511,627 petrol cars off the road per year

These commitments would bring Australia 96% of the way to meet its current target of 28% reduction by 2030. This huge emissions reduction potential would be secured and delivered faster if there was a national program to help local governments deliver their ambition.

Speaking at ALGA , Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, City of Hobart and GCOM Board Member says “We wont get to zero emissions without all sectors and all levels of government playing their part. We know we are in the Race of our Lives towards zero emissions, but we can win and local government will be a crucial part of success”

“We call on the Prime Minister to work with Mayors to design a national cities emission reduction program, as this is the key to achieving a zero carbon target quickly, and we call upon the Environment and Energy Ministers to invest into the local government sector in the areas of emissions reduction and climate adaptation, through approaches like the Global Covenant of Mayors and the Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience campaigns”

Councillor Amanda Stone, City of Yarra and Chair of ICLEI Oceania Regional Executive Committee, also speaking at ALGA, agrees: “Today I want to not only emphasise the leadership of cities in Australia on climate action, but to also encourage all of us to think bolder, be more innovative and aim higher by joining cities and other sectors globally by setting 2050 net zero targets, and tangible, achievable measures by 2030”

For more information and access to the Report follow this link.