This paper is part of a series of briefing papers that examine the climate change policies of the countries key to the Paris Agreement and its effective and ongoing implementation.
Executive Summary

This report is to inform the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (LMCF) on potential future themes and activities to support Melbourne transitioning toward a more sustainable and healthier city.

This paper is part of a series of briefing papers that examine the climate change policies of the countries key to the Paris Agreement and its effective and ongoing implementation. It highlights the opportunities and challenges for Canada to exceed its Paris Agreement target.

This paper presents opportunities for state and territory-level governments to work towards fostering strong economies that facilitate deep emissions reductions by 2050.

Professor Lars Coenen delivered this year's annual MSSI Oration on Tuesday 20 November. As his research on innovative cities and regions in Europe and Australia shows, Coenen highlights that we urgently need to rethink what innovation is and how to go about it.

Urban stakeholders have a key role as end-users in the transition to a renewable and more resilient energy system. The Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP) is an innovative procurement model through which urban stakeholders across sectors are procuring renewable electricity in collaboration. Expansion of group renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) among metropolitan councils of Melbourne, building on the MREP pilot, has been identified as a resilience- building activity as part of the Resilient Melbourne Strategy’s ‘adapt’ actions.

To understand the major barrier to making our cities more sustainable and environmentally friendly places, just stand in the centre of almost any Australian city and look up. The chances are you will be in the shadow of a tall building totally reliant on air-conditioning and made from energy-intensive materials like steel.

The closure of the Hazelwood power station is scheduled for 31st March 2017. It has delivered cheap electricity to the National Electricity Market (NEM) for decades but contributed substantially to Australia’s emissions. The community of Morwell and the surrounding LaTrobe Valley has relied on the existence of Hazelwood. It has provided jobs and contributed to the economy for decades.