Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Cities for Climate Protection Campaign underway

'Practical strategies and realistic actions' is how Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP) Project Manager, Bernie Cotter, summarises his work. "We are focused on reducing Greenhouse gas emissions in local communities, and that requires good planning and strong follow through," he said.

The Prime Minister's statement on Greenhouse gas reduction, prior to the international conference in Kyoto, saw the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign receive a welcome $13 million boost over the next five years. Currently over 200 cities, representing 100 million people worldwide are involved in the Campaign. It is estimated that urban CO2 emissions in these cities account for five percent of total global CO2 emissions.

Australia's commitment will be focused around 30 leading cities in the pilot phase, followed by a much more expanded program involving 300 Councils over the next five years.

"This funding will make CCP in Australia the largest program of its kind anywhere in the world," Bernie Cotter said. "The goal of the Campaign is to help Local Government reduce Greenhouse gas emissions in their own operations and in their communities.

"This can be achieved through increasing energy efficiency, and by developing creative transport management, building policies, waste management and land use strategies. The campaign also seeks to improve local air quality and urban livability."

Per capita, Australians are among the highest users of fossil fuel energy. Local Councils have considerable scope for not only influencing their own operations but, more importantly, influencing housing and urban design and transport policies community wide.

Local Councils in Australia can realise significant benefits from participation in the CCP program by reducing overall operating costs and enhancing the competitiveness of local firms, creating local jobs through supporting energy efficiency businesses, improving air quality and reducing pollutants that affect people's health, and enhancing the livability and comfort of housing and urban neighbourhoods.

For further information on CCP contact the Program Manager, Bernie Cotter, at Environs Australia on (03) 9654 1322 or email CCP_Australia@bigpond.com

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