The views down some of Launceston’s most leafy streets and shady parks could be in jeopardy, according to research which shows climate change is threatening the health of 16 per cent of the city’s tree species.
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That’s if a ‘business as usual’ approach is taken in respect of emissions, but if emission are limited the risk could drop as low as one per cent.
The City of Launceston is already on the case, with Alderman Emma Williams calling on the council to support a policy paper to identify a pathway to become an EcoCity.
At Monday’s meeting she will call on her fellow aldermen to support a drive towards making the City of Launceston become carbon neutral by 2050.
Alderman Williams will also ask the general manager to identify projects to reduce the City of Launceston's carbon footprint by 50 per cent by 2030.
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The notice of motion also seeks the development of a tree renewal strategy for a changing climate for the council’s parks and gardens, and the promotion of green infrastructure to improve the health of local waterways, reduce localised flood risk, reduce heat island effects, improve air quality, sequester carbon and promote biodiversity.
“Launceston, and the broader region, has a role to play in international efforts to address the climate crisis,” Alderman Williams said.
“To create and then maintain a modern sustainable city requires a culture shift.
“This project will establish the City of Launceston as a community leader in sustainability, and identify local impacts of global issues such as climate change.”
She said the notice of motion provides a measureable suite of steps towards an achievable goal for the city, with benefits for the community and beyond.
“These initial steps also provide the groundwork for future considerations addressing increased response to the shifts in seasonal variation that Launceston is already experiencing, and associated impacts, for better social and economic outcomes for the community.”