National and global leaders will come together at Sydney Town Hall next month to discuss why strong and decisive action on climate change is needed now more than ever.
As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, carbon dioxide concentrations in our atmosphere continue to rise and species loss accelerates – speakers will discuss how Australia can continue to make a significant contribution to addressing the climate crisis.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO will showcase the City of Sydney’s renewed environmental strategy as we continue working towards our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2035.
Internationally recognised leader Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change who helped secure the historic Paris Agreement, will join the free event.
Keynote speeches also include human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson and Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean.
“We are already experiencing the planet’s reaction to years of unchecked fossil fuel burning. Eliminating dirty technologies must be the priority for all levels of government as well as the private sector,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These compounding disasters like the recent flooding and threat of cyclone activity in Queensland and northern NSW are only going to become more frequent, which makes mitigating the worst impacts of our changing environment so important.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for us to bring experts and leaders from Australia and across the globe together, to discuss the importance of what Australians can do in the coming years and what the City of Sydney will continue doing as a local government leader in facing the climate crisis head on.”
Speakers and panellists will also discuss new opportunities for action and advocacy as governments adapt to changes in the geopolitical landscape.
“When we see the evidence painting a shocking picture of the future that awaits us it is easy to feel a sense of helplessness about what could be coming,” Christiana Figueres said.
“But we must remain optimistic and realise it’s still within our power to change course and take charge of the future of our planet and everyone and everything that lives here.
“We must work together and learn from the people, governments and communities that are leading the way. Together, we can tackle this existential crisis.”
“In Australia we are already seeing the catastrophic consequences of climate change. But those who are suffering the most, like our Pacific Island neighbours, have contributed the least to the problem,” Jennifer Robinson said.
“Climate justice demands more from major emitters like Australia. Litigation is an important lever to hold governments to account, but we need decisive political action - and its beyond time for Australia to take that action.”
“Australia makes a sizeable contribution to global emissions, with climate pollution per capita that is among the highest in the world and our exports of coal and gas adding to the tab,” Mr Kean said.
“At the same time, we have more opportunities than most to reduce our own emissions and help our trade partners cut theirs too – and the technologies we need are here and now.
“I’ll be outlining at the CityTalk on 2 April how this transformation is already underway and how we can accelerate it.”
Hosted by author and Emergent Global CEO Holly Ransom, the CityTalk will also hear from Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau and a panel of experts discussing advocacy, emissions reduction, renewables and caring for country.
The City of Sydney will also highlight its continuing work to decarbonise our operations and reduce environmental impact, and how we are supporting the community do the same.
There’ll also be a snapshot of what is being achieved through collaboration and partnerships right here in Sydney.
CityTalk: The climate and nature crisis – what Australia does matters
Date: Wednesday 2 April 2025
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall
For more information visit https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/citytalks-the-climate-and-nature-crisis
For media enquiries contact Andrew Booth: 0482 530 091 or email abooth@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney contact Paul Mackay. Phone 0436 816 604 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au