Australian councils have been at the forefront of climate action for decades. From improving energy efficiency and installing renewables on council owned facilities to implementing large-scale community programs, local governments hold leading insights into the opportunities and challenges of taking meaningful action on climate change.
The 2015 Paris Agreement recognises the critical role of local and sub-national governments in driving the actions needed to avoid dangerous climate change. With world leaders set to discuss plans for progressing this agreement at COP26 in 2021, now is the time for Australian councils to lift our gaze and consider our role in delivering national and global change. This session brings together councils, city networks and stakeholders.
Watch the recording to hear from local and international speakers on why COP26 is critical for local governments, consider Australian council’s successes and opportunities, and look at how Australian councils can work under one national umbrella group over the next 12 months to lead local climate action and help drive the global climate agenda.
Topics addressed
- The global context
- The Australian context
- Local government’s role and why it's important
- What the sector needs to do in lead up to COP
Host
Michael Williams, Artistic Director of Sydney Writers' Festival
Speakers
- Julie-Anne Richards, Executive Director at Climate Action Network Australia
- Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor, Hobart City Council
- Frank Cownie, Mayor of De Moines, Iowa and interim ICLEI President
With 20 local government case studies to be shared by climate champions from across Australia.
Convenors
- Alexi Lynch, Ironbark Sustainability
- Darcy Pimblett, Climate Council
- Stephanie Ziersch, Consultant
We can win, and local government will be a crucial part of that success.” - Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor, City of Hobart
For information on how to join the Local Councils & Cities Sector Working Group to be involved in future discussions, reach out to us at [email protected].