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Basil Zempilas meets Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 16 (CNS/Vatican Media)

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas was among eight governors and 16 mayors from around the world who met Pope Francis during a three-day Vatican summit on climate resiliency. Source: The eRecord.

Mr Zempilas explained that his participation in the Climate Resilience Summit earlier this month included talking about what Perth is doing in relation to climate resilience.

“I was able to share our learnings, and how we facilitate collaboration between industry partners,” Mr Zempilas said.

“It was also an opportunity for Perth to put on display the leadership role we take.”

Perth is a foundation member of the World Energy Cities Partnership, which is why Mr Zempilas attended the summit.

Pope Francis urged the governors and mayors to work with international partners in developing a “holistic” approach to climate action that reduces emissions and combats inequality.

“The refusal to act quickly to protect the most vulnerable who are exposed to climate change caused by human activity is a serious offence,” the Pope said.

“The climate crisis requires a symphony of cooperation and global solidarity,” which includes “emissions reduction, lifestyle education, innovative financing, and the use of proven nature-based solutions”.

The Pope said the refusal to act quickly to protect the most vulnerable who are exposed to climate change caused by human activity is a serious offence.

“The climate crisis requires a symphony of cooperation and global solidarity,” including “emissions reduction, lifestyle education, innovative financing, and the use of proven nature-based solutions.”

Pope Francis told the governors and mayors that unless issues such as biodiversity loss, global disparities, and lack of food security are addressed “urgently and collectively,” they will “represent existential threats for our human family, for other living beings, and for ecosystems”.

FULL STORY

Perth Lord Mayor spruiks Perth’s leadership in climate resilience, Pope urges urgent climate action (By Jamie O’Brien, The eRecord)