Stepping Up Our Climate Game

Stepping Up Our Climate Game

Climate action: how do we overcome the challenges?

Climate change science is no longer up for serious debate, and the Paris Agreement has given us a way forward for global climate policy. But now what? How do we get real, lasting wins?

The opening Auckland Conversations event for 2017 tackles climate change action: how do we fully realise New Zealand's commitments? How are cities leading the way in climate change adaptation and innovation globally? And what crucial steps must be taken?

Recent research from C40 Cities and Arup, Deadline 2020, puts the heat on, demonstrating that while cities can lift us 40% of the way toward our Paris Agreement ambitions, more ambition over the next four years is critical to get us on the safe climate path.

Reducing carbon emissions produces exceptional and well-documented health, economic and environmental co-benefits – and the link between protecting the climate and protecting our most vulnerable people is clearer than ever.  So, what stands in our way?

Now is the time for businesses, governments, citizens, organisations and cities to double down efforts to mainstream climate action and to boldly commit to overcoming challenges.

This Auckland Conversation engages panellists from the C40 Cities network, industry, central and local government as well as members of the audience to explore exactly how we do just that. 

Listen to the podcast

Malcolm Shield

Climate Policy Manager, Sustainability Group, City of Vancouver

Malcolm Shield recently joined C40 on a two year secondment from the City of Vancouver, Canada. He is a Professional Engineer having completed his Masters of Engineering at Imperial College, London, and a Doctorate in natural gas combustion at the University of British Columbia. Malcolm joined the City of Vancouver in 2010 and worked on the development of the carbon reduction pathways that
underpin the City’s Greenest City Action Plan. As Climate Policy Manager at the City, Malcolm was responsible for the City’s renewable energy planning and carbon management as well as the implementation of its decarbonisation strategies.
Malcolm was also responsible for delivery of the City’s electric vehicle strategy, which covers an extensive multi-vendor trial of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, key utility and private sector partnerships, public outreach and building code
amendment.

Penny Nelson

Deputy Secretary Sector Strategy, Ministry for the Environment

Penny Nelson is responsible for the Ministry’s strategy and evaluation functions, environmental monitoring and reporting, as well as the Ministry’s interests in the science system and climate change. She holds policy responsibility for hazardous substances and new organisms, marine management, and New Zealand’s commitments to international environmental agreements, as well as oversight of the Environmental Protection Authority.

She brings a strong focus on building partnerships across sectors and a wealth of leadership experience in government, business and the scientific community including the Sustainable Business Council, Ministry for Social Development, Dairy NZ and Landcare Research.

Penny is returning to the Ministry, having worked here between 1998 and 2004. Penny holds a Masters of Science (Hons), in Resource Management from Lincoln University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), in Political Science from Otago University.

Ian Short

Former Chief Executive, Climate-KIC, London

Ian Short was Chief Executive of the Institute for Sustainability - an independent charity established to accelerate the delivery of sustainable cities and communities. Ian was also a Governing Board Member of the Climate-KIC, an initiative set up by the European Commission in 2010 to become Europe's catalyst for climate change innovation.

Ian was also Deputy Chief Executive at the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC), the lead regeneration agency for east London, which he helped establish in 2005. While in this role, Ian led development of the Institute for Sustainability from original concept through to fully operational charitable organisation in just over two years.

Penny Hulse

Councillor, Auckland Council

Councillor Penny Hulse represents the Waitākere Ward on the Auckland Council and is Chair of the Environment and Community Committee.

She brings 25 years of local government experience to the role having first been elected to the Waitākere Community Board in 1992 before being elected Chair of the Board in 1994.

In 1995 she was elected as a Waitākere City Councillor and as a Trustee of the Waitakere Licensing Trust.
Since then she has served as Chair on a range of committees including Healthy City, Environmental Management, City Development, and Community & Public Health. She was Deputy Mayor to Sir Bob Harvey from 2007 until 2010. Following amalgamation, she then served two terms as Deputy Mayor to Len Brown and successfully led the Unitary Plan process.
She has been instrumental in helping build the West and understands the area and people well. Penny has strong links with her community and cares passionately about the Auckland region. She served two terms on the Waitemata District Health Board, is currently a Director of West Auckland Trust Services and an elected member of the Waitakere Licensing Trust.

Her other community involvement includes Community Waitākere Charitable Trust, West Auckland Riding for the Disabled, The Waitākere Brass Band, Trustee of Swanson Railway Station Trust, Waitākere Anti Violence Essential Services  and former Director of EECA Board.
Penny’s special areas of interest are Climate Change, Sustainable City Development, Environmental Advocacy, Community Development and Youth Empowerment. She is also a big supporter of arts and culture. 

Penny is a keen cyclist and has been commuting to the CBD from Te Atatu Peninsula by electric bike since the opening of the Nelson Street Cycleway in December 2015.

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