Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, is home to 189,381 people (2024 data) and is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most culturally diverse cities, often referred to as the nation’s cultural capital. Recognising the climate emergency, the Council has delivered extensive actions to cut emissions and address urban challenges such as the heat island effect, water-sensitive design, and urban regeneration. Melbourne aims to run entirely on renewable energy by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2040. Community participation is central to its approach, with initiatives such as the Citizen Forester Program engaging residents in climate action and urban greening.