Dunsborough photographer Christian Fletcher has started a petition calling on the City of Busselton to declare a climate emergency.
Mr Fletcher said local governments around the world were declaring a climate emergency and he thought it would be a great idea for the region to follow suit.
"To me, there does not seem to be any downside to doing it, it is something that will encourage further discussion and action," he said.
Mr Fletcher said local governments which acknowledged that climate change was real were making the first steps towards wider national action.
"It is easier for local governments to be early movers on action than it is with state and federal governments," he said.
"Local governments are more democratic, flexible and less controlled by big money and party politics and community activism can build change more quickly at a local level."
Mr Fletcher said by declaring there was a climate emergency did not mean that people would have to give up their vehicles.
"It is more about looking at how the city does things, how they can change and how they can promote action on climate change," he said.
"The city can promote community education, campaigns, workshops and forums to build awareness of the need for action on climate change and advocate to higher levels of government for emergency action."
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said while they had not received a petition to date, they understood one may well be forthcoming.
Mr Henley said it would be a matter for all council to consider, noting they had worked hard to put in many initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.
"The city has adopted a host of environmental measures to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and is progressing an Energy Action Plan which identifies ways to further reduce carbon emissions over the coming years," he said.
"All city buildings are environmentally designed to take advantage of aspect and solar panels are featured on major constructions.
"Other major energy saving initiatives include the geothermal heating system at the Geographe Leisure Centre which provides heating for the pool and air-conditioning for the foyer area.
"The City is also investigating waste to energy initiatives to reduce the volume of waste to landfill and provide alternative energy sources."
Mr Henley said strategic planning for Coastal Adaptation involved identifying regional vulnerabilities.
"The City is also implementing the Coastal Protection Management Program and is a member of the Peron Naturaliste Partnership which is an information sharing partnership focused on coastal adaptation."
If you would like to support Mr Fletcher's cause please visit spark.greenpeace.org.au/petitions/we-call-on-the-city-of-busselton-to-declare-a-climate-emergency.
