#121: Let's stop spinning our wheels
On three quick actions for climate and investing in public transport
Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!
If you’ve been following the news over the last few months, you might be feeling as stuck as the Aratere when it comes to finding ways to reduce emissions through public transport:
There have been various transport decisions, like cancelling new lower-emissions ferries, canning the clean car discount or consulting on increasing speed limits, which make us feel like we’re going in the wrong direction in terms of reducing our transport emissions. But just because one avenue is stuck doesn’t mean all avenues are blocked. We have to be agile and shift the focus to places we can get a win.
One of the encouraging things in Aotearoa is that many of our local councils are taking matters into their own hands. Many of the local representatives that we voted for in 2022 want denser cities and better public transport, they want safer walking and cycling options and lower speeds around schools.
And, as Dhanya pointed out last week, the good news is that lots of countries overseas have found solutions that can:
make public transport convenient, more reliable and faster than cars
make it safer and easier to get around for all road users, including children
reduce congestion and air pollution, adding years to our lives
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They really are a win-win-win! And we know it can be done - for example:
Paris has increased cycling numbers massively
Oslo incentivises EVs with no congestion charges and free parking
Palmerston North has recently become the first city bus fleet to go 100% electric, while doubling their services.
47 countries have implemented 30km/h as the default urban speed limit
We can all help to make these kinds of projects a reality in Aotearoa by advocating for investment into public transport, walking and cycling and supporting projects in our local area.
What can we do today?
The most-clicked link from last week’s issue was the quick email link for four key members of the Environment Select Committee to drop the fast-track bill.
🐝 If you have 5 minutes: This is not a drill!
The science is clear: we can have no new oil or gas for a liveable planet. However, the government is pushing to re-introduce new offshore drilling for oil and gas.
Action: Send a templated email to the PM on why we must not drill for new oil
🐇 If you have 15 minutes: Get a workout on your way to work
Does your workplace have a ride-to-work benefit scheme yet? It’s where anyone can get 30%-60% off a bike, e-bike, or scooter, through a tax benefit. It’s free for your employer, and a pretty massive saving (in cost, emissions, and health) for you.
Action: Float the idea of Workride to your workplace and get more people riding!
💃🏽 If you have 30+ minutes: For peat’s sake
The proposed Resource Management (Freshwater and other matters) Amendment Bill will weaken protections for freshwater, including allowing coal mining in wetlands. It prioritises commercial interests over the health of ecosystems, drinking water, and climate mitigation (wetlands are the second biggest carbon sink in the world). Public input is crucial to maintain these fundamental hard-won environmental protections.
Action, due 11:59pm this Sunday: Submit on the Freshwater Management Bill using this submission guideAre you passionate about riding a bike and want to make it safer to do so in your region? One of the best ways to help out is to join a local cycling advocacy group.
Action: Join a local group - Cycling Action Network NZ provides a list here of groups around the country, that includes Bike Auckland, Cycle Wellington and Spokes Canterbury. Take your pick!
In case you missed it
The Government is proposing to increase speed limits, including around schools. Lower speeds save lives, reduce carbon emissions, and make it safer and more accessible to walk or cycle which saves even more on emissions and public health.
Action, due 11 July: Submit on the speed limits restriction rule with our templateAdd your workplace to the Bike Auckland ‘Cycling Works’ campaign to support the message that cycle-friendly infrastructure is better for business! They’re also looking for volunteers to help with the campaign (giving out fliers, connecting with businesses, organising small events).
Action: Sign up here!
Wins!
Our largest sea-birds, like albatrosses and petrels, are deeply endangered by climate change and over-fishing. That’s why it was great to hear that better regulations have been introduced to protect them from the fishing industry - a ‘generational win’ for conservation.
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this awesome blog post from Connor Sharp at Greater Auckland about the power you have to change transport outcomes.
See you next week,
Emily & the Climate Club team
Linktree | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Climate Job Board