The City of Melbourne’s efforts to tackle climate change and reduce emissions have been recognised with an A-grade rating by global environmental impact non-profit CDP.
The A-grade rating is presented to cities with ambitious emissions reduction and renewable energy targets and a demonstrated climate action plan. Less than 10 per cent of cities have achieved the prestigious A-grade rating.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the rating showed Melbourne is on the right track, with Council determined to take a leading role in tackling climate change.
“Since declaring a climate and biodiversity emergency, we’ve worked tirelessly to transition our city to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place,” the Lord Mayor said.
“As world leaders wrap-up at COP26, the City of Melbourne is moving forward with its plans to power Melbourne with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2040.
“Power Melbourne is our latest initiative to expand our renewable energy capabilities. Power Melbourne involves installing neighbourhood scale batteries across the city to power existing infrastructure and support businesses transitioning to renewable energy.
“Through Power Melbourne, and our past successes with the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, we’re encouraging the adoption of renewables and the acceleration of emission reductions to make Melbourne a leader in sustainability for decades to come.”
The CDP-ICLEI unified reporting system rates cities across the world on their climate actions, with more than 965 cities rated in 2021.
A-grade cities must prove they’re taking leadership on environmental action and transparency, with twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A-grade cities.
Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert said Melbourne must continue to be bold.
“Temperature increases of 1.5 degrees will lead to irreversible damage to our ecosystems, with the central city’s liveability under particular threat from more extreme heatwaves and floods,” Cr Leppert said.
“Local governments around the world are showing what can be done to help future proof our cities and make them more sustainable.
“Transitioning to renewables, investing in energy storage, growing our urban forest and improving biodiversity are all critical to ensuring a sustainable future for Melbourne and Melburnians.”
The City of Melbourne received an A-grade rating along with 94 other cities around the world.
