Having met with representatives from 60 countries taking part in the negotiations, Mr Van Begin also stressed that the role of ICLEI and local governments is not to replace the role and responsibility of nations, but to encourage them to make ambitious targets and work with them to achieve these targets.
Kristin Tilley, who has just returned from the pre-COP negotiations in Bangkok, spoke about the complex nature of the negotiation process. Ms Tilley also reiterated the Australian Government's commitment to the core elements of the obligations of the Bali Action Plan, determined at COP13 in 2007.
Rebecca Falkingham reflected on the State Government of Victoria's recent Climate Change Green Paper, which identified the importance of all levels of government in addressing climate change.
Finally, Cr Cathy Oke presented some compelling examples of actions that cities around Australia are taking to reduce their carbon emissions. Referring to the remarkable achievements of ICLEI Oceania's CCP Australia Program which, between 1998–2008, helped local governments prevent 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere, she articulated the importance of including local governments in a coordinated approach to climate change.
Cr Oke also spoke about the recent Council of Capital City Lord Mayors' Canberra meeting August, where they urged the Prime Minister to support ICLEI's recommendations for an integrated government response to the big task ahead.
The afternoon closed with some interesting discussion stimulated by questions from the audience to the panel.
ICLEI Oceania thanks the presenters for their involvement and all who attended the forum.
See the links below for more information on topics discussed during the forum.
