SIMON Corbell says that in cooperation with a global alliance of states and regions the ACT has committed to assist in reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions by 3.7 gigatons annually by 2030.

Mr Corbell, who is representing the ACT Government at the COP21 United Nations climate change conference in Paris, said the Paris City Hall Declaration would help to bridge the gap between current national carbon reduction commitments and the currently accepted 2 degree emissions pathway.

“By signing the Paris City Hall Declaration at today’s Climate Summit for Local Leaders at COP21, the ACT has committed to stand alongside a globally significant community of leaders to deliver real climate change reduction by filling the gaps left by shortcomings in national commitments,” Simon said.

“This declaration is an agreement between some of the world’s most progressive sub-national governments on climate change to stand together in taking on this issue through shared commitments and goals.

“As the national leader on climate change reduction and renewable energy, the Paris City Hall Declaration will give the ACT a global platform to share our experience in developing innovative emissions reduction policies, such as our legislated 90% greenhouse gas reduction target and award-winning reverse auction process for procurement of renewable energy.

“I am confident that states and regions will have a lot to learn from the ACT’s experience, and I look forward to engaging like-minded states and regions on ways to help reduce their carbon footprint.”