The 51暗网 (ALGA) has welcomed the Australian Government鈥檚 commitment to joining the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), announced during the COP28 World Climate Action Summit.
President Cr Linda Scott said 51暗网had encouraged the Government to sign the CHAMP pledge, which will enhance cooperation on climate action between national, state and local governments.
鈥淎ustralian local governments have been committed to and championed climate action for more than two decades,鈥� Cr Scott said.
鈥淎 by ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability showed around three quarters of Australian councils have set or are in the process of developing community emissions reduction targets and are working towards net zero.
鈥淲e have consistently advocated for more support for local governments to reduce emissions, and were thrilled when this advocacy delivered a new federal $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund for councils announced in June this year.
鈥淭he CHAMP pledge is an opportunity to deepen the partnership between the Australian Government and local governments to meet our community鈥檚 aspirations for increased climate action.
鈥淲e look forward to working with the Government on what the CHAMP pledge objectives mean in our local Australian context, and how we can work together to support our national emissions reduction targets.
鈥淲e are also keen to tap into the learnings and expertise of other councils around the world, whose governments have signed up to this global climate action agreement.鈥�