The ACT stepped onto the world stage of climate change last week, with the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Shane Rattenbury, attending the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) in California, USA.
Hailing the visit a success, Mr Rattenbury said the Territory’s work in tackling climate change was on show and included a leading role with the city of Sacramento in hosting an event for similar-sized cities.
“I was proud to join with the Mayor of Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg to host an affiliate event at GCAS,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Further cementing the ACT as a leader in climate change action—not just in Australia, but on the world stage.”
He said the ‘Carbon Zero Cities’ event for mid-sized cities attracted attendants from places such as Copenhagen, Santa Monica and Guadalajara, and ended with a declaration to exchange knowledge and experience.
“Canberra and Sacramento are similar in size and are showing what can be done at a sub-national level to drive the transition to a zero carbon future,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“We both have ambitious targets and actions in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
He said that just as Canberra was looking to achieve zero net emissions by 2045, Sacramento had a zero carbon target of 2050.
“We also share the challenge of having national governments which are not only failing to take climate action but winding back previous progress made,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“GCAS was not only a great chance for delegates to discuss opportunities and challenges for their cities, and establish working relationships, but for the ACT and Sacramento to exchange learnings.”
He said Sacramento was making significant investments across a range of areas to reduce its emissions.
“We will draw on some of their ideas as we implement our Transition to Zero Emissions Vehicles Action Plan here in Canberra,” Mr Rattenbury said.
Information on the Carbon Zero Cities event can be accessed at this PS News link.
