Leaders and policy makers from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region have made a commitment to accelerate responses to tackling climate change.
At the Asia-Pacific Climate Leadership Forum held today as part of Australia's first ever Climate Week, leaders signed a declaration that outlines commitments including working to meet Paris Agreement goals, developing and implementing adaptation plans to combat the impacts of climate change and fostering an ongoing Asia-Pacific dialogue on climate action.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said today's forum came ahead of the United Nations Climate Action Summit, to be held later this year in New York.
"Today we had the opportunity to collaborate with 20 other governments across the Asia-Pacific region to help build a strong regional network with a unified voice on climate change," Ms Enoch said.
"Urgent action is needed on climate change, and the role of sub-national governments has become more important than ever.
"We have the opportunity to renew our focus on climate change action in our region.
"As a proud member of the Under2 Coalition, the Palaszczuk Government is committed to global efforts to keep temperatures below two degrees Celsius, and to achieving our vision of a zero net emissions economy by 2050."
The Forum was coordinated by The Climate Group, an international non-profit with a mission of accelerating climate action.
The Climate Group is also Secretariat to the Under2 Coalition of ambitious state and regional governments who are committed to keeping global temperature rises to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts towards 1.5°C.
Tim Ash Vie, Director of the Under2 Coalition Secretariat, The Climate Group, said the states and regions, cities and island nations gathering today were on the frontline of the impacts of climate change – and on the frontline of the challenges of balancing the transition to a low carbon economy.
"It has never been more vital to collaborate on ambitious climate action solutions which work for everyone, to protect both people and planet, drive economic growth and create jobs," Mr Vie said.
Minister Enoch said the declaration signed today outlined that a global economic transition to net zero emissions is essential, achievable and already underway in many parts of the world.
"Queensland is playing its part – we have committed to 50% renewable energy by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2050.
"This week is about having the necessary conversations about how we can all work together to tackle climate change.
"By joining forces, we will help deliver a future that is more sustainable, resilient and prosperous for our future generations," she said.
