Climate change leaders call for action in Sydney

Global and local leaders will call for urgent action to mitigate the global climate emergency as part of a public talk in Sydney later this month.

The City of Sydney is hosting a free talk as part of its ongoing campaign to influence and accelerate Australian Federal Government climate policy.

Australia has faced enormous challenges in the last 18 months – drought, storms, catastrophic bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic. Renowned climate change leaders will come together to discuss these issues including Professor Ross Garnaut, Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean, Independent Member for Warringah Zali Steggall, and actress, producer, author and activist Jane Fonda.

Together these CityTalk participants will call for a green led recovery to ensure a more resilient future.

Although the City of Sydney has been at the forefront of action to mitigate global warming and the NSW Government is leading the way on renewables for our state, the talk will argue the case for urgent and accelerated climate action.

A national target for net zero and a green led recovery tabled in the Australian Parliament would also provide businesses with certainty on our national climate policy.

“Climate action is the City of Sydney’s top priority,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“We were the first council in Australia to set science-based targets. We became carbon neutral in 2007, and last year signed an agreement to purchase 100% renewable electricity. This has put us on track to meet our 2030 target of reducing emissions by 70% by 2024, six years ahead of schedule.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and recovering from Covid-19, we’re bringing together renowned global and local leaders to discuss the climate emergency. Jane Fonda of course has a wealth of experience taking direct action and drawing global attention to the climate crisis and I am pleased she will be part of this vital conversation.”

In Australia, a green led recovery also needs to honour, respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and practices. The talk will include young Indigenous Australian climate striker and activist, Lille Madden.

Also joining the discussion will be:

Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author of What Can I Do? My Path from Climate Despair to Action, and founder of ‘Fire Drill Fridays’, Jane Fonda Professor Ross Garnaut AC, Professorial Research Fellow in Economics, University of Melbourne and author of Reset Matt Kean MP, Minister for Energy and Environment, Member for Hornsby Zali Steggall OAM MP, Independent Member for Warringah Lisa McLean, CEO, NSW Circular

The talk will be facilitated by Patricia Karvelas, presenter and host, ABC News and Radio National.

CityTalks: A green led recovery – bold action for a more resilient future Date: Tuesday 30 March 2021 Time: 6.30pm to 8pm Where: Online

The event is free but tickets must be booked through Ticketmaster (attendees will receive a meeting link the day before the event).

For media enquiries or images, contact the City of Sydney media team. Phone 02 9246 7292 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore contact Julia Lenton. Phone 0410 748 039 or email [email protected]