“The alarm bells are deafening and the evidence is irrefutable”: UN Secretary General Antonio Gueterres.

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report spells Code Red for Humanity.

With global warming already locked in at up to 1.5 degrees and irreversible system changes underway, we know what that will mean in Oceania.

Longer, hotter, drier periods, more intense rainfall, floods and cyclones and continued sea level rise threatening the very existence of our island members.

But another great human being Sir David Attenborough also reminds us:

“We are a single truly global species, whose greatest threats are shared and whose security must ultimately come from acting together in the interests of us all.”

ICLEI cities and regions, at the forefront of climate action, already understand the vital importance of thinking globally, acting locally, but working together. The ICLEI network with its 2500 local and regional government members creates those peer networks, partnerships and capacity building which will create the change we need to see. If we have any chance of holding the line at 1.5 degrees, now is the time to act. Together.

With COP26 in November a pivotal moment for our planet and its citizens, the role of cities and regions has never been more important. They will lead the transformation to a low carbon world, living within a stable climate, with healthy, equitable communities and circular economies that work in harmony with nature. The work they are already doing is inspiring.

The UN Secretary General also said “The viability of our societies depends on leaders from government, business and civil society uniting behind policies, actions and investments that will limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.”

As civic leaders you are already doing this.

Please also consider signing up to Cities Race to Zero and joining the race for our planet and our future.

Cr Amanda Stone, City of Yarra. Chair ICLEI Oceania Regional Executive Committee.