Why cities are part of the climate change problem and solution
Climate change is often seen as a global issue but over the past 20 years it has become a vital urban issue. At a Sydney Ideas event next Wednesday, Professor Harriet Bulkeley will explain why cities are both part of the cause and the solution to climate change.听
Climate change is often seen as a global issue, particularly in light of the US administration announcing its intent to withdraw from the Paris climate accord earlier this year.
But major cities are a key part of both the problem and the solution to climate change, Professor Harriet Bulkeley from Durham University will argue at a .
Co-presented by the University鈥檚 and , Professor Bulkeley鈥檚 address will explain why our cities are at the frontline of climate change risks.
Cities contribute around 70 percent of the world鈥檚 energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
"Cities are hot-spots for carbon-intensive activities such as car travel and electricity use,鈥� Professor Bulkeley said.
鈥淗owever, they are also at the forefront of climate change risks. Cities concentrate assets that are at risk from sea level rise or increased flooding and storms.鈥�
During her , Professor Bulkeley will explain that while cities have contributed to the problem, in the past two decades they have also begun to realise they can be part of the solution.
鈥淥ne of the most remarkable things about the urban dimension of the climate challenge is that cities have come to recognise the problem,鈥� said Professor Bulkeley.
鈥淐ities have been taking a leadership role in providing low carbon and resilient forms of development 鈥� often working with businesses and communities to create the capacity to generate renewable energy, developing alternative forms of transport and green infrastructure, establishing community gardens and undertaking efficiency measures.鈥�
Local governments across Australia have been highly active in reducing the carbon footprint of households and business, from the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning adds.
鈥淔ederal government policy on climate change has been minimal and ever changing,鈥� said Professor Dowling. 鈥淗owever, our research has identified a plethora of initiatives at the local level to encourage residents and businesses to use less energy, adopt renewable energy and retrofit buildings to make them more energy efficient.鈥�
The Treading Lightly program is one example, where four inner west councils collaborated to run sustainability workshops aiming to educate resident to reduce energy use, Professor Dowling explains.
鈥淧olicy responses especially need to encourage the use of less carbon-intensive forms of energy and reduce reliance on private cars. In a city like Sydney, ways to mitigate excess heating, such as through green infrastructure, are especially important.鈥�
Event details:
What:
- Speaker: Professor Harriet Bulkeley 鈥� Professor of Geography, Durham University.
- Respondent: 鈥� Associate Dean of Research at the University of Sydney鈥檚 School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
- Chair: 鈥� Co-Director of the Sydney Environment Institute at the University of Sydney.
When: 6pm 鈥� 7:30pm, Wednesday 26 July
Where: LT 1, City Rd, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006.
Cost: Free with .听
About Sydney Environment Institute:
is a cross-disciplinary research hub at the University of Sydney, which provides a platform to inform public discourse and decision-making in relation to the impact of climate change on society and the environment.
