Victorian Local Government has, for more than a decade, been working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, largely by developing and implementing mitigation strategies. The focus of initiatives has been to reduce emissions from day to day operations. Councils have also sought to assist communities and local businesses progress their emissions reductions, often through partnerships and incentive programs
With the reintroduction of a national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in Parliament in February this year, councils will look for further opportunities to improve the efficiency of their activities to reduce their exposure to a carbon price. They will provide strong community leadership and education in collaboration with the other levels of government on the implications of a carbon price. Collaborative action will assist communities to make a smoother transition to a low carbon economy.
Vitally important to Local Government activity on climate change is adaptation to the impacts arising from change in the climate system. This effort recognises that our national and global emissions reduction efforts will not be sufficient to prevent a wide range of impacts occurring.
Local Government acknowledges that climate change has the capacity to dramatically affect the viability of regions – shifting patterns of food supply, reducing rain fed water supplies and causing destruction of many of the ecosystems that we value and rely on.
In recent times, some Victorian councils have undertaken research to increase their understanding of the vulnerability of their communities to the impacts of climate change. Such studies have considered change to the environment and flow through implications on the local or regional economy, social structures, health and wellbeing, natural landscapes, vital infrastructure and cultural assets.
Equipped with this knowledge, councils are planning their long term future, ensuring that adaptation to climate change is central to their decision making. Councils are adapting, and will continue to adapt the way they do business, operate their facilities and manage their assets to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Councils are at the forefront in supporting their communities to build resilience in the face of climate change. In addressing mitigation, adaptation and adjustment to climate change, they are working hard to ensure their communities remain viable and vibrant places to live, and able to respond to climate change.
While climate change presents a great many challenges, it also presents opportunities. As community leaders and economic and strategic planners, councils are positioning themselves to attract new industries to their region that provide solutions to climate change.
To further assist councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) will be convening the National Environment Conference: Local Government Transitioning to a Climate Resilient Future on 15 and 16 April 2010 at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.
This event will provide insights, case studies and explore issues facing Local Government to mitigate, adapt and adjust to climate change.
For further information on the conference click here.
*Copy supplied by MAV
