Bayside calls for ambitious emissions target
Councillors from across Melbourne’s south east are calling on the Australian Federal Government to commit to an ambitious 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.
In the lead up to the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow they’re also calling for a target underpinned by a clear plan.
Bayside Mayor Councillor Laurence Evans OAM said the climate emergency is the greatest challenge we are facing today.
“Local Governments such as Bayside and our fellow Councils in the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCA) are committed to leading and working with our communities to both mitigate and adapt to climate change,’’ Cr Evans said.
“Since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, Bayside has taken action to achieve certified carbon neutrality in our operations and is working with our community to reduce our carbon footprint.
But this is only the start and we have a long way to go. COP26 is an opportunity for the world to come together to commit to taking action to protect our planet. We must not fail in this endeavour.”
Councils from Melbourne’s South East are setting ambitious emission reduction targets for their own councils and working to support their communities to transition to net zero.
Bayside has been tackling climate change for a number of years, including installing solar panels on Council buildings, introducing food and organics waste recycling and establishing a low-emission vehicle fleet.
In a statement, the South East councillors said it’s “absolutely essential” that Australia makes an equitable contribution to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
“A stable climate must be a primary priority for all levels of government.
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.”
