Three more Australian councils have declared climate emergencies in the past week – Lismore, Wollongong and Launceston. Meanwhile, the Australian Government is reportedly playing silly buggers at an important climate summit. 

Wollongong City Council 

At a Wollongong City Council meeting on Monday, Councillor Ann Martin put forward a motion that carried declaring “Council recognises we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government.” 

“As community leaders in our city, we have to admit the potential severity of the impacts of climate change on the Earth, and seek to implement changes to protect the future of our communities, and our natural and built environments and eco systems,” said Cr. Martin. 

As part of related action, a report or briefing will be prepared containing among other things the results of an investigation into cost effective local power generation, water and energy saving initiatives, waste reduction strategies and projects. 

Lismore City Council 

At a meeting on Tuesday, Lismore City Councillors voted to declare human-induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity (and pretty much everything else that lives on the planet). It acknowledges Lismore City Council LGA is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, including its significant agricultural industry. 

Among the actions to be undertaken is writing to various MPs and the Federal and NSW Environment Ministers; informing them of the resolution, urging them to acknowledge the same and take appropriate actions to address the crisis. 

The declaration also notes the Federal government’s latest emissions data indicates emissions are increasing, not reducing. 

Lismore City Council also reaffirmed its commitment to its 100% renewable energy target, which is to be achieved by 2025. As part of this effort Council has embraced solar energy, with high-profile installations including a 99kW floating solar power system at East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant and 99kW system at Lismore’s Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre. 

The notice of motion, put forward by Cr. Elly Bird, can be viewed in the meeting’s agenda here (minutes weren’t available at the time of publishing). Ms. Bird said she was very pleased with the outcome. 

Launceston City Council 

Councillor Nick Daking’s notice of motion for a climate emergency declaration was carried at the Launceston City Council meeting last week. 

Cr Daking’s motion also called for the implementation of an action plan for the LGA to achieve 100 per cent carbon neutrality by 2025, and for Council to move towards 100 per cent renewables by 2025. 

Continue reading at: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/councils-climate-emergency-mb1174/ 

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