Canberra discusses the climate change challenge

Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, will today welcome community members from a range of backgrounds who will be participating in the first interactive forum on one of the most serious challenges we face - climate change.

"The ACT Labor Government has a clear vision for Canberra to become a sustainable and carbon neutral city by 2060 and this requires input from all spectrums of the community including government, business, community groups, households and individuals," Mr Corbell said.

"Today's consultative forum will allow the community to actively participate in the climate change discussion and the Weathering the Change - Draft Action Plan 2 and I look forward to receiving feedback from the views that will be raised."

Mr Corbell said the ACT Government had set the highest greenhouse gas reduction targets of any jurisdiction in Australia.

"Legislation has committed ACT targets of zero net emissions by 2060 and a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020," he said.

"Taking decisive actions now to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions can help create positive change that will create long-term benefits our city, our economy and our environment."

Mr Corbell said he welcomed community views on the Draft Action Plan 2, released for comment last year, which features five possible pathways through which the ACT might achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

"The ACT Government has a clear vision to become a sustainable and carbon neutral city that is successfully adapting to the challenges of climate change. Help us move to this goal by 2060 by joining in this important community conversation," he said.

To find out more visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au/climatechange

The consultation period for the Weathering the Change - Draft Action Plan 2 will close on 2 March 2012.