CLIMATE EMERGENCY
We recognise, both globally and locally, a more significant and urgent climate change response is required. A warming climate is already increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and this will worsen if global greenhouse gas emissions continue on the current trajectory.
Surf Coast Shire Council declared a climate emergency at its August 2019 meeting. Community members called for this declaration, seeking support and leadership on climate change through two petitions signed by more than 1000 people.
Council endorsed the Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan 2021-2031 in June 2021. You can read the plan here or watch the video below for a short summary of the plan, including the six key goals.
This document is Council’s organisational response to the climate emergency, outlining our ten year strategic position and identifying the actions we will take as an organisation over the next two years in the areas of mitigation, adaptation and mobilisation. It also articulates our vision for our community and environment to thrive in a safe climate,
Importantly, this plan also demonstrates accountability for ways in which we will collaborate and work together in partnership with our local Registered Aboriginal Parties to protect Country and Culture from the impacts of climate change.
Local governments have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. This plan will be submitted as Council’s pledge under the Victorian Climate Change Act 2017. It commits Council to purchasing 100% renewable electricity and becoming a carbon neutral organisation in 2021-22. Council’s annual corporate emissions profile prior to developing this plan was approximately 15,794 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per annum. In switching to renewable electricity, emissions reductions of approximately 2450 tCO2e per annum will be realised. Furthermore, in becoming a carbon neutral organisation, it is expected that Council will be offsetting in the order of 60,000 tCO2e in the 5 year period to 31 December 2025 (reporting period for interim targets under Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy)