Climate experts will meet in Sydney today to discuss how cities can use energy efficiency and emission reduction programs to reach the global targets set at the Paris climate talks.
C40 executive director Mark Watts will head up the panel discussion at Sydney Town Hall, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore and University of Sydney Associate Professor Rod Simpson, joined by business, industry and community leaders.
Following the Paris talks, a global agreement was reached to limit a global temperature rise to less than two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is currently considering making a special report on climate and cities to recognise the role of cities in the global response to climate change.
The City of Sydney is among a group of global cities, regions, companies and investors that have committed to the Paris Pledge for Action to achieve climate stability.
“The cities that get on a low-carbon development pathway soonest will be the most successful cities over the next decade,” Watts said.
“These will be the cities achieving faster economic growth and more sustainable improvements in living standards.
“Fortunately, mayors and cities around the world are coming together to form an unstoppable coalition for action. Sydney and Melbourne are both members of C40 and have shown incredible leadership on the issue of climate change and introduced meaningful action to reduce emissions.”
The IPCC special report would be a huge opportunity to strengthen the momentum created during the Paris climate negotiations. Such a comprehensive, global, and authoritative resource on cities and climate change will simultaneously advance scientific knowledge, policy, and action at local, national and global levels.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who attended the climate talks in Paris, said cities would play a vital role in cutting emissions and tackling climate change.
“Cities cover a tiny fraction of the Earth’s surface, yet more than half the world’s population live in cities,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our cities generate a staggering 75 to 80 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, so action in our cities is crucial to combating climate change.
“Many of the world’s biggest cities are setting ambitious targets and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, proving effective action on climate change and strong economic growth are compatible.”
“We now urge the IPCC to recognise the role of cities in the global response to climate change. This opportunity would mean a comprehensive global resource on cities and climate change examining scientific evidence and looking at solutions for climate action.”
The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is a network of more than 80 global cities, representing over 500 million people and one-quarter of the global economy. C40 is focused on tackling climate change and driving urban action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, while increasing the health, wellbeing and economic opportunities of urban citizens.
The City of Sydney is an active member in several networks where forward-thinking cities exchange best practices to build more resilient cities.
Meanwhile, registrations opened last week for the inaugural Renewable Cities Australia Forum being held June 1-2, 2016, at Australian Technology Park in Sydney.
Cities and towns hold the key to the structural changes that are needed for going renewable and representatives of the capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, regional cities of Moreland and Gosford, and towns of Newstead and Tyalgum will, ‘Share the Solutions’ a theme for the forum, through a showcase of their work and future plans.
The first speaker announced Ewan Willcox, carbon & energy projectoOfficer at Gosford City Council, will present a case study on commercial scale solar.
Gosford City Council has completed its first major renewable energy project as part of an ongoing commitment to energy management and greenhouse gas reduction. The solar project, “Solar 455” involved the installation of 455kW of solar across seven sites.
It is anticipated that the project will generate 620MWh p.a., which is enough electricity to power approximately 100 local homes. This presentation will explore the key steps undertaken from strategic drivers for solar, optimising the solar system design, developing the business case, financing the project, going to market, implementation and assessing system performance.
Forum convenor, Mary Hendriks, said understanding the options for local energy generation and systems to store and deliver power is essential to planning for a low carbon future.
"Sharing good solutions already being developed is vital for a fast transition to full integration of renewable energy and low carbon transport," she said.
A Young Ambassadors Initiative has been incorporated into the program, encouraging future thinkers and influencers to drive change toward a 100% renewable future.
All those involved with urban planning, in government, industry and in community groups, are invited to register.
Renewable Cities Australia will co-locate with the successful Australian Energy Storage Exhibition, providing delegates with free access to the exhibition and the opportunity to view a wide range of innovative battery and energy storage technologies as well as a range of electric and low carbon transport.
Visit www.renewablecities.com.au.