The ACT’s nation-leading work on climate action will be guided by new faces, as four new members join the ACT Climate Change Council.
Dr Arnagretta Hunter, Dr Aparna Lal, Dr Thomas Longden, and Ms Mia Swainson have been appointed to the ACT Climate Change Council, broadening its expertise to inform and empower climate action in Canberra.
“Canberrans are proud to live in a territory that takes climate action seriously,” Minister for Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said. “We are demonstrating to other jurisdictions across Australia, and even around the world, how we can cut emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
“While the progress we have made has been significant, we still have big climate aspirations as we work towards being a net zero emissions city by 2045.
“The advice we receive from the ACT Climate Change Council will guide us as we undertake the next steps on our path towards net zero emissions. The four new members bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, contributing to the vital role the Council plays in informing government decision making on matters relating to climate change in the Territory.
“I would like to congratulate the four new members on their appointment and officially welcome them to the ACT Climate Change Council. The new Council members will work alongside continuing members Professor Mark Howden, Dr Paul Bannister, Dr Cris Brack, Ms Sophia Hamblin Wang and Mr Ben Ponton.
“I would also like to thank outgoing member Karen Jesson for her significant contribution to the Council’s work over the past five years.”
The new appointments to the Climate Change Council come with an array of expertise, including zero-emission transport and public health:
- Dr Arnagretta Hunter is a cardiologist, physician and the Human Futures Fellow for the Australian National University (ANU) College of Health and Medicine with a longstanding commitment to health and climate change research and advocacy;
- Dr Thomas Longden is an environmental economist and Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the ANU;
- Dr Aparna Lal is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU Research School of Population Health in the College of Health and Medicine whose current work focuses on environmental impacts on health outcomes for communities;
- Ms Mia Swainson is President of the Canberra Environment Centre, Chair of Zero Waste Revolution and leader of an environmentally and socially responsible consultancy business.
