Welcome Address
Dan Ilic (he/him) - introducing and mcing
Pastor Ray Minniecon - welcome to country - we all need to collectively care for the land we are on
Key Note 1: Ban Ki Moon - Deputy Chair of the Elders, Chair of many other organisations
first nations people have much to teach us all
talk about Paris agreement - some progress, but so much more to do
Australia needs to lift its climate ambition, which is possible as it has many advantages, especially with regards to renewable energy, and we are so susceptible to climate change as witnessed in the terrible fires that came after a terrible drought, and followed by floods
sadly, more of this will come
shift to a zero carbon world is in place - must embrace and do this with our advantages. Forum will showcase so much that we are already doing.
Climate change will take all of us. First Nations people have done this for thousands of years, and continue to look after huge amounts of area. We need to learn from their great wisdom.
We must remember those in the fossil fuel industries and bring them along.
Thos who have already committed to Zero targets include States, investors, major trading partners. Australia’s current goals with no geo targets is out of step with all of these and will not meet Paris targets.
Not doing this poses a huge threat to future prosperity and international regard. We must seize the opportunities of a zero carbon world, and do our part in the world’s work to save ourselves.
Must at least commit to Zero emission by 2050.
Australia can help carve a better future for all that is in reach on this remarkable planet.
Key note 2: Matt Kean
climate change will define the 21st century
the challenges of future generations will be defined by what we do now
spoke about the drought before the fires of 19/20 and the apocalyptic images
being see around the world right now
climate change is impacting our world today - right now
taking action is not about the cost - but about the dividends in the future
NSW has some of the best renewable resources in the world - we are a sun blessed country
this is a story about exciting and productive transformation in many areas of society, including farming, manufacturing, transport etc
can’t do it alone - everyone must play their part. Industry, banks, super funds etc and their clients along. Every household taking up new renewable ideas.
also need a new politics that move beyonds vested interest to national interest. One based on facts and ambition. Here in NSW every part of politics worked together to pass a strong policy for the future. Similarly the US has moved in this way.
Not a thing of dreams - remaking our politics and building a better country can and is being done, and needs every citizen. Including when they vote at the ballot box - must only vote for those who will deliver on this future. Get on with it or get out of the way!
Australia should be a climate leader - not laggard. Our work should lift everyone, but just us.
Key note 3: Sandy Verschoor, Lord Mayor Adeliade,
Acknowledgement of indigenous people
Adelaide name means place of the red kangaroo - not anymore but working with nature
and aiming for zero carbon - all things in their control is now achieving this
supporting regional jobs in renewable energy to power the city
working with many other cities to do the same and help each other
cities are important to take the lead in so many of these issues, but need to collaborate and inspire with others
other big issues they are addressing at a local level:
water in a very dry climate
circular economy
electric vehicles and infrastructure
solar storage and smart energy solutions
want to shape conversations about communities doing this
need all levels of government to help, especially national.
transport is huge - need nationally consistent approach to enabling renewable future for this
need to work together on resilience and adaptation - focusing on greening of the urban environment to do this.
67% of respondents to survey on local governments show they are willing, ready on the way to do this. LGAs are doing a lot.
Adelaide is really embracing the renewable electric future in all areas.
looking to counterparts in state and federal government to work with them., and open doors to anyone with great ideas to come and join them
Working Across sections and with government to enhance climate ambition
Addressing Australia's opportunity to transform the economy and society for the benefit of all, from a state government perspective.
Adam Morton, Guardian Australia leading following panel: What does 6 years on from Paris mean to you?
Debby Blackey HESTA Super Fund - clear financial risk and potential severe impacts on everything. Can see the risks and can act now. Aligning investment portfolios accordingly to achieve a portfolio wide targets,. Aiming for an orderly transition. Cost of inaction far greater than action. Engage with > 160 key companies every year. Will avoid investment if change does not happen. Most of their investors in health - at the coal face of climate impacts.
Abigail Forsythe Keep Cup - Paris agreement critical as sets global ambition. Can only be achieved as a planet - everyone together. For a small business like KeepCup - doesn’t change daily activities. Sick on pledges for 2040-50 as too far away. Also growth is not a good focus. Thought it would be done by now when they started - gobsmacked that 12 years later disposable cups still at heart of the industry.
John Lydon McKinsey + CO - Climate Leaders Coalition - this arose to get beyond targets, part of B Team. CEOs were curious started with 20 and now 33 of largest companies and emitters. Its a place to learn and take action in own backyard. Confidential place to explore and share what is and what is not working. Heads of sustainbility and CEOs get togethe to explore “deep dives” which is also shared. Not an advocacy group but one to help companies. Developing a roadmap to 2030 for Glasgow.
Taylor Hawkins Foundations for Tomorrow - Paris agreement in asn incredible act of leadership and call to arms - that we have failed to meet… This is our wake up call - again. FFT are trying to help motivate leaders to do what they need to do - started with a survey of young Australians, who predominantly want action in this regard. Young people are willing to act in so many ways. Terrifying to grow up now - Paris is something that offers hope in theis fearful place.
Francis Wedin Vulcan energy - renewable lithium company. Electrification of transport a key part of the future and they are looking to contribute in a carbon neutral way. Was working in mining and saw large gap in this area so started company. Paris agreement core to this. 70 people, 1.6b Aus$, best performing lithium company. Attracting brightest and best to work with them. Harnessing geothermal energy - no fossil fuels. Message - strict focus from the start gives better chance of success.
Deo Prasad, Sustainable Communities and waste Hub UNSW - Paris seems so long ago, a lot has happened since then. Evidence is now overwhelming. Past arguing about science - not focus on solutions. Glasgow more important in making change for now. CRC LCL was involved in doing exactly this. Worked on solutions to mitigate as well as adaptation, that also had economic advantage $1.2b. They go hand in hand - carbon and financial savings. UNSw signed onto zero CO2 emissions with farm in the regions - economic advantage as well.
Kerry Wilson, ProVC at QUT - Paris agreement gave sense of hope and benchmarks to guide plans and actions. Unis in Australia are serious about this. Minimising footprints of campuses, plus impacts of teaching and outreach. Impacts and ripple efects are enormous as students go out into the world. QUT scope 1+2 by 2023 and scope 3 by 2030. Working on green hydrogen, clothing and textiles waste, food waste and circular economy > LL food waste free city. They have a lot of hope in how they can help.
Panel discussion ideas:
Australia needs to commit to 2050 target, but need earlier one for 2030.
IPCC report is really really strong in highlighting need for action now - Code Red signal. No reason not to act as everything is possible.
Need stronger building codes that require onsite renewable energy production, as well as a greener grid to supply the rest; strong campaign to help drive sustainable actions at home; collaboration essential - no one can do this on their own.
as an exporting company need to take strong action to reduce emissions of these products or they will be excluded from many countries (zero carbon club) around the world. Needs a top down approach.
We need a standard change where denial and delay is not acceptable. We need to advocate for a better future. Coming from young people and leaders of all ages > need government and industry to work together in more sure environment, while being able to take more risks. Iterative safe actions not ok any more. Need to ensure no one is left behind.
Complex system problem that needs to be addressed as such. Extend collaboration anfrom govt, companies to everyone else as well. Build trust and ways of working together. Inclusive not exclusive. Risk tolerance is a big deal - need to allow for failure as new ways of working are developed.
disposable cups a good metaphor - if plastic cups not recyclable by 2022 they should be banned. Put environment at the centre of all policy - end native logging, embrace the Uluru Statement of the Heart, look after the reef, stop mining for coal etc. Can do anything that is good and nothing that is bad. Need to vote out those who don’t stand for good.
report really highlights all the issues and urgency of action. Facts known for a long time - report raises awareness. Need better policy settings from government. at the moment, 75% of investments in good products is overseas as not enough things to invest in here. Should not miss the opportunity to attract investment - both here and from overseas. Can’t be bystanders - need to be part of the solution. Ravages of climate will be so much worse that COVID - need a global solution where we play our part.
Don’t be a bystander - get engaged.
Collaboration and sharing is key, along with shared education.