The Local Government Climate Emergency Toolkit is a fantastic resource to understand Council operations, powers, and possible motions.
Race to Zero and Race to Resilience
CM/8.7/21.02 Race to Zero Campaign (A09/1017) MOTION / UNANIMOUS DECISION
Mover: Cr Wy Kanak Seconder: Cr Copeland, from p20 of the Council Meeting minutes
That Council:
- Prepares a report on Council joining Race to Zero, a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) campaign, at the earliest feasible possibility. This report is to include:
- The feasibility of aligning the Council’s current climate and sustainability targets to the Race to Zero Starting Line criteria.
- Opportunities for Council to strengthen its overall and interim net zero targets, other commitments, and actions, in line with requirements for keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, including going carbon neutral as a priority action in 2021.
- Any additional costings for actions required to meet these criteria.
- Discussion on relevant partner organisation (High Level Champion) who can assess the Council’s application to join the Race to Zero.
- Notes that the Race to Zero:
- Builds upon climate emergency declarations, and represents 434 cities, 23 regions, 1,397 businesses, 74 of the world’s biggest investors and 569 universities, which, including 120 countries committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest, covers nearly 25% of global CO2 emissions and over 50% of global GDP.
- Is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
- Is building momentum around the shift to a decarbonised economy ahead of COP26.
- Refers this resolution and background information to Council’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee for discussion and to Council officers for consideration in the next revision of Council’s Environmental Action Plan.
More examples:
- Wyndham City Council Victoria agenda 28th September 2021
- Lane Cove Council NSW considered joining Race to Zero during meeting on 20th September 2021 (under Tender for Supply of Electricity)
- Newcastle City Council Lord Mayoral Minute to join the Race to Zero & Race to Resilience 28th September 2021
- Yarra City Councillors resolved to join the Race to Zero on 7th September 2021
- Byron Shire Council, Darebin Council, Hobsons Bay Council, City of Melbourne, Mornington Peninsular Shire, and the City of Sydney are all listed on the Race to Zero website