The Australian Government's long anticipated commitment to a 2050 emission reduction target is welcome however the even more pressing is the need for a 2030 emission reduction target, aligned with the other developed countries' commitments.
"It is absolutely essential that Australia makes an equitable contribution to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. A stable climate must be a primary priority for all levels of government."
Councillor Katherine Copsey, from Port Phillip Council, a member of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance, explained that local communities across the south east, and around the world, are right now experiencing the devastating impacts of global warming and these impacts will worsen if the increase in emissions is not halted.
"Our Council has declared a climate emergency. The Australian Government must also recognise that we are living in a climate emergency and the time has passed for prevarication and politicking. An ambitious 2030 emission reduction target and a clear plan that drives a rapid decarbonisation of Australia's economy, deploying renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as driving investment zero emissions transport and in carbon sequestration is urgently needed," Cr Copsey said.
"Australia's response to global emission reduction efforts needs to be clear and decisive. Australia's commitments must reflect the scale and scope of the challenge - an existential threat to our human civilisation and the biodiversity of the planet."
An ambitious 2030 emission reduction target and an economic transition plan will also send a clear signal to local businesses and communities to embrace the economic opportunities and wellbeing outcomes presented by decarbonisation.
Councils in the south east are setting ambitious emission reduction targets for their own councils and working to support their communities to transition to net zero. As a member of SECCCA, Port Phillip Council is also part of regional efforts to decarbonise.
Information on South East Councils Climate Change Alliance
The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) is made up of nine local governments in the south east of Melbourne. SECCCA Councils span the metropolitan, peri urban and rural divide and have some of the fastest growing residential developments on the fringe of metropolitan Melbourne. Together, SECCCA Councils serve over one million residents. Through SECCCA, these Councils collaborate to act on climate change. This action includes mitigation and adaptation projects and advocacy for the community.
SECCCA's vision is for a thriving and productive southeast Melbourne region that has a safe and sustainable climate. Together with a majority of member councils, SECCCA has declared a Climate Emergency recognising the existential threat climate change poses to our communities and our environment, and is calling for urgent action to address the risks.
