Sustainable Cities: Transport, Circular Economy & Energy - AlterCOP 30 Day 2

Join us in Brisbane for Day 2 of AlterCOP 30 Australia

Sustainable Cities: Transport, Circular Economy & Energy

This AlterCOP we begin with a powerful invitation to reimagine the places we live, work, and connect. Grounded in the latest thinking on climate resilience and social equity, the Sustainable Cities programme explores how our transport systems, energy networks, water cycles, and waste streams can be redesigned to serve both people and the planet.

Participants will uncover the drivers of urban sustainability challenges, connect them to broader social and environmental systems, and envision new pathways for inclusive, climate-positive cities. It’s an energising, collective experience designed to shift perspectives and inspire practical action.

The day is designed to inspire bold ideas, practical solutions, and partnerships that will help shape thriving, inclusive, and climate-resilient cities.

Transport, Circular Economy & Energy

Agenda:

• Acknowledgement of Country & Welcome

• Rethinking Transport for Equity & Emissions

  How we move people and goods is central to building sustainable, liveable, and fair cities. This session explores the future of transport in Australia, Brisbane, and the regions—through the lens of both decarbonisation and social equity. Through a dynamic Q&A discussion, we will examine what it takes to deliver a transport system that reduces emissions, enables accessibility for all, and supports the social and economic fabric of our communities.

  Moderator: TBA

  Speakers:

  • Santiago Velasquez – 2022 Churchill Fellow, UN panellist, TedX speaker, and Founder/CEO of EyeSyght and Hailo.

  • Todd Hacking – CEO of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia

• Waste Reduction & the Circular Economy

  What if waste wasn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of something new? This session dives into how design, business innovation, and policy can work together to accelerate the shift towards a circular economy. Through this multi-lens discussion, we’ll unpack practical strategies for waste reduction and examine how cities, businesses, and communities can embrace circular thinking—reducing environmental impact while unlocking innovation and resilience.

  Moderator: TBA

  Speakers: TBA

• Afternoon Tea

• Solar Microgrids, Energy Access & Community

  Energy transition is not just about technology—it’s about people, place, and opportunity. This session explores how solar microgrids and community energy projects can provide reliable, affordable access to power while creating new pathways for jobs and regional development. This conversation will highlight how energy innovation can drive social equity, empower local economies, and create a just transition for all.

  Moderator: TBA

  Speakers:

  • Aaron Johnstone - Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate

  • Kaneya Poudal - Community and Policy Lead at the First Nations Clean Energy Network

  • Kimberly Swords - Board memeber - Chair Renewables expert

About AlterCOP

Co-founded by The Matcha Initiative and The Transmutation Principle, AlterCOP Summits aim to keep corporate and the public informed of COP proceedings and outcomes, facilitate discourse and knowledge learning on corporate sustainability in a localised context, foster collaboration among various actors (professionals, academics, youth, NPOs, community groups, and policymakers) and inspire action.

As Australia prepares to potentially host COP31, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to open up climate dialogue to all and show that local actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change are already happening across different communities. 

Running alongside the United Nations (UN) COP30 agenda, the four-day event will foster grassroots ownership of global climate goals while amplifying local and regional engagement across Australia. 

Learn more about AlterCOP 30 Australia: www.altercop.com/australia

About People For Nature

People For Nature is a volunteer-powered environmental charity empowering communities through climate and biodiversity education, citizen conservation, and science. We believe that when Australians understand and connect with nature, they’re more likely to protect it — safeguarding our climate, ecosystems, and well-being.

Your tax-deductible donation helps us bring initiatives like AlterCOP30 to life and inspire real change for nature. https://www.peoplefornature.org.au/donate

For any questions or support:

Sarah Woolmington | sarah@impactdragonfly.com.au | 0401 599 507