Hobart City Council backs Hobartians and the People’s Climate Rally

In a refreshing display of unity, Hobart City Council aldermen have voted unanimously to support a motion backing Hobart’s contribution to world-wide calls for climate action, the People’s Climate Rally on Sunday Nov 29th. The City also expressed its hope that a global agreement on climate change is reached at the upcoming climate talks in Paris.

The motion, moved by Alderman Anna Reynolds, highlights the expected adverse impacts of climate change on Hobart, including higher winds and more high fire danger days.

‘We are thrilled to have this leadership from the Council and the unity behind the support for Sunday’s rally demonstrates the kind of collaboration we expect of global leaders when it comes to tackling climate change at the Paris talks’, said rally co-organiser and MC Margaret Steadman from Climate Action Hobart.

‘Rally organisers thank the Council for its support and look forward to aldermen joining Hobartians at the rally. As one of the furthest cities away from Paris that will rally this weekend, Hobartians have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the unity of purpose behind strong, genuine and global action on climate change.’

The rallies kick off today, with a large turnout expected in Melbourne for the first of hundreds of demonstrations that will occur on all continents.

‘With the Paris rallies cancelled due to the State of Emergency, additional effort, expectation and attention are placed on cities who will participate as part of the People’s Climate movement.

People’s Climate Rally

When: Sunday, 29th November, 1pm

Where: Parliament House lawns, Hobart

Who: Greg Irons – Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Teangi Brown and Zac Romagnoli-Townsend – SEED
Matthew Pitt – farmer and climate activist
Pano Russo – Coordinator, Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Maggie Edwards from Fossil Free UTAS
John McRae – Retired Uniting Church Minister
Greg Cooper – Secretary, United Fire Fighters Union of Tasmania.

HCC Motion adopted Monday 23rd November 2015

1. The Council note that:

(i) The Australian Government climate change projections indicate that higher global temperatures will see many impacts in Hobart including an increase in mean wind speeds during spring and an increase in fire danger weather;

(ii) The People’s Climate March in support of action on climate change will take place in Australian capital cities to coincide with the start of the United Nations climate talks in Paris on 30 November. The Hobart Climate March will take place at 1pm on Sunday 29 November;

(iii) More than 200 cities around the world are advocating for a positive international agreement and in recognition of the role that cities play in averting the threat of climate change, through the United Nations sponsored Compact of Mayors program.

2. The Council resolve to make a public statement of support of the People’s Climate March in Hobart and the City of Hobart’s hope that a global agreement on climate change is reached in Paris;

3. The Council request a report be prepared that:

(i) Provides an update of Hobart City Council action on climate change, both the measures to reduce corporate emissions and programs to assist our local community to reduce its carbon footprint.

(ii) Benchmarks Hobart City Council’s current targets and programs on climate change with the targets and programs of other capital cities.

(iii) Provides advice on the opportunities and costs of Hobart City joining with the Compact of Mayors’ Alliance, so that Council can consider joining this program.

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