By Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney
This week, the City of Sydney agreed on ambitious new targets for 50 per cent of electricity used in the local area to come from renewable energy by 2030, and for net zero emissions by 2050. We have already committed to our long-term vision, Sustainable Sydney 2030, a program to take urgent climate action and reduce emissions by 70 per cent by 2030.
Our new plan for the next five years, Environmental Action 2016–2021, tracks the way to 44 per cent emission reductions in our own operations and significant reductions for the local area. We’re really excited by this bold new plan for a green and resilient future for Sydney. It builds on the important work already being delivered and sets strong new actions.
World leaders agreed to limit global temperature rise to less than 2°C at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris last year. Temperatures are already increasing and by 2070, Sydney could be up to three degrees hotter. The City of Sydney is getting on with the job of slowing this dangerous warming while setting bold new targets for the future. It is encouraging that many other mayors and cities in the C40 network are doing the same.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and City Sustainability Director Chris Derksema
The City of Sydney became carbon neutral in 2007 and was the first government in Australia certified as such in 2011. Since 2006, emissions across our local government area have reduced by 19 per cent amid strong economic growth. This is a plan for a more climate resilient, low-carbon, green and cool city that supports an active and connected city.
For more information on Sydney's plans and targets, read the Press Release here.
The City’s Environmental Action 2016 -2021 is open for feedback until 12 August, 2016: sydneyyoursay.com.au