Let’s all join in making Hobart climate ready

Published on 31 October 2023

Climate change is impacting our lives now, and it’s time to work together on making Hobart climate ready.

Climate change threatens our community, particularly the most vulnerable.

It is also a catalyst for change, and we already know many of the solutions.

“The faster we shift to zero emissions the sooner we can enjoy reduced living costs, improve air quality, health outcomes and other economic benefits,” said Hobart Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds.

“The City of Hobart made a recent decision to take more significant steps to become a zero emissions city and build our resilience to climate change. “

We did this because climate scientists are providing stronger advice that significant change is inevitable and our community also sees this as a top priority.

“The steps we take in the next few years will help to lessen the impacts of climate change and will also create a better city. With the help of the community and other levels of government, we can build a ‘Climate Ready Hobart’.”

The City of Hobart is working over the next few months to finalise a Climate Strategy that will implement this new vision for faster and stronger action, and this is where we need your help.

Firstly, there will be a consultation period from 28 October to 11 December where Hobart residents can share their ideas through the Your Say platform.

But there is also a great opportunity for everyone to be climate leaders.

Hobart residents will be sent an invitation, asking them to join our Hobart Climate Assembly to shape the solutions our community needs for a climate ready future.

As part of the Assembly you will play an important role in guiding how Hobart responds to the climate and biodiversity emergency, enabling Hobart's transition to a zero emissions and resilient city.

The Assembly will work together over two weekends (17-18 February and 16-17 March 2024), hearing from experts, leaders, and community members, to ensure that Hobart’s next Climate Strategy represents our community’s priorities.

The Assembly will be made up of 30 people who live, work, study or play in Hobart.

The group will be independently selected to represent the demographic diversity of our community.

No prior experience is required, and people from all backgrounds and abilities over the age of 16 can apply.

Erica de Jong, a Lenah Valley mother of two young boys, is keen to find out more on how she can help tackle climate change.

“I think it is easy to feel shielded from climate change tucked away in Tasmania,” Ms de Jong said.

“But the reality is that it is a very global issue for which we all have a responsibility.

“I have two young children and the hope that that will outlive me has made me more conscious about the future.

“I would like them to have the same opportunities I had growing up to experience Tasmania’s wonderful and diverse environment, and for them to be proud of the choices I made to nurture the world in which we live.”

She said she was keen to become more involved.

“I know that as a family we can do more to address climate change,” she said.

“I think we are all guilty of making excuses because of a lack of understanding, time or funds.

“But as individuals, parents and members of the Hobart community we are all able to contribute to a culture of change from the bottom up.”

Cr Reynolds said the solutions were known but now action in every Hobart household, business and community group was required.

“We have a choice – to let climate change happen to us or to become climate ready,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Climate change is a catalyst for change.

“Together we can work towards zero emissions by transforming transport by choosing to walk or ride or travel in an electric vehicle, installing electric appliances such as heat pumps and ovens, using solar panels and battery storage, repurposing and retrofitting homes and businesses to be efficient and avoid demolition, and reducing waste.

“We can restore and regenerate our natural systems; we can build resilient communities and be more prepared for extreme weather events; we can mobilise climate leaders; and we can ensure that vulnerable communities are not further disadvantaged in the process.”

To visit the Your Say page and to get more information, visit here.