Hobart Sets Climate Action Goals

Media release – City of Hobart, 24 September 2024

Hobart sets bold new climate action goals

The City of Hobart has launched one of the strongest responses to climate change in the country, with a goal of zero emissions across Hobart by 2040 – the first Tasmanian council to set this ambitious target.

Endorsed by Hobart City Council at its recent meeting, the Climate Ready Hobart Strategy is a guide to what the City of Hobart and the community can do together to build a climate resilient and thriving community in the face of climate change.

Climate change is a real risk for the Hobart municipality, with bushfire, flooding, and heat as major threats to Hobart.

All research demonstrates that these risks are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change, which is why we need to take urgent action now.

The strategy prioritises addressing the root cause of the problem to reduce emissions by phasing out fossil fuels; as well as recognising the need to improve our ability to cope with more frequent and intense climate-related disasters so we can recover faster and build back better.

The strategy is the result of more than a year of research, collaboration and design with climate experts, leaders, and the wider community including Tasmania’s first citizens assembly on climate change.

To kick-off action, the City has announced the first recipients of the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

A total of $39,250 has been awarded to seven projects that empower young people to take meaningful action towards creating a climate-ready Hobart.

One of the standout projects is the New Town Rivulet Platypus Project, led by Co-Exist youth leaders. The project, which received $7500, aims to restore the platypus habitat in New Town Rivulet, engaging students from five local schools in activities like rubbish clean-ups, pest identification, and planting native species in partnership with Nipaluna Nursery.

The 2040 Climate Ready Hobart Strategy sets out ambitious goals, including a 70% reduction in community emissions by 2030, zero emissions by 2040, climate ready infrastructure and a connected and cohesive community who are better prepared for climate impacts, ready to recover and rebuild better.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“Climate change has arrived and every tonne of pollution we cut now, will save lives in the future.

“We all need to scale up our efforts, whoever we are – whether as a Council, a national government, a company or as a citizen.

“That’s why we’ve worked so hard with the Hobart community to create this ambitious and comprehensive plan for action. This plan will help everyone in Hobart.

“Many of the zero emissions solutions we implement locally also make our cities cleaner, more efficient, and economically vibrant.

“Climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather, and these will only increase as the impacts of climate change intensifies.

“For the City of Hobart, these impacts will see increased occurrence and intensity of bushfires, flooding and coastal inundation.

“This New Town Rivulet Platypus Project is a fantastic example of how young people are stepping up to lead in the fight against climate change.

“By restoring natural habitats and fostering environmental stewardship, we are building a more resilient future for Hobart.

Quotes to be attributed to Co-Exist collective leader Josh Smith:

“Our Mission is simply to get young people involved in and invested in the future of our natural environment.

“We believe in the idea that you won’t protect what you don’t know and look forward to this being a chance for lots of young people in our community to get to know their own backyard.

“Hobart is a special place and we are privileged to have the opportunity to look after it.

“Climate change is a global issue and the scale can be overwhelming but having an outlet to do something, no matter how small is important.

“The recent state of environment report reiterates the increasing number of challenges our environment face but also the incredible opportunity to do something about it.

“It is inspiring what happens when you get curious young people together and I have no doubt there will be moments and conversations that will snowball into much greater change.

“I have been lucky enough to share some pretty incredible moments with species like the Platypus over the years. That’s something we should all be able to experience.

“This isn’t just a chance for young people in the community to practice what is means to be good stewards of the environment but also to develop strong leadership skills that are increasingly important.”

Quotes to be attributed to climate scientist and communicator Dr. Mel Fitzpatrick:

“Climate change is one of the most urgent and defining challenges of our time. Amid these challenges, there is also an unprecedented opportunity.

“By embracing innovative solutions and fostering a culture of sustainability, we can transform our community in positive ways.

“This report is a roadmap to a climate ready future. It provides an inspiring vision as well as goals and priorities to guide our collective efforts in the years to come.

“It emphasises the need for prompt, informed actions while maintaining an optimistic outlook for a sustainable future for our planet.”