Green Tape, Carrots and Sticks

The international Paris Agreement established in 2015 requires signatory countries to implement action to limit warming to 1.5oC above preindustrial levels. However, as indicated in each of the annual United Nations’ Emissions Gap reports, global policy commitments are falling short of this aim. Recent calculations indicate that we are on track to 3.2oC of warming by 2100, which would lead to catastrophic impacts for humans and the environment. To achieve the Paris Agreement goals, a major uplift in climate change action is required, particularly in the built environment – a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Moderator: A/Prof Anna Hurlimann (Associate Professor in Urban Planning, University of Melbourne) Panellists: Trent McCarthy (Director, Clean Economy, Engagement and Experience, Melbourne Polytechnic) Toomas Mirlieb (Manager, Adaptation and Built Environment, Climate Change Authority) Alison Scotland (Executive Director, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council) Georgia Warren-Myers (Head of ESG and Risk, APAC) This symposium was partially funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council's Discovery Projects funding scheme (project DP200101378). Presented by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.