#138: The only fast-track we’re interested in…

Urgent solutions to the climate emergency

Oct 21, 2024

Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!

You may have heard of the recently launched list of fast tracked projects (the public – us – only received the list of proposed projects after the consultation period). Which raises a question: what type of projects deserve a fast-track?

The use of urgency AKA ‘fast-tracking’ AKA ‘goodbye Freddy’ AKA ‘mine now ask questions later’ has been a pretty hot topic in Parliament recently. Parties across the spectrum have used urgency as a way of getting things for a long time; this government is certainly no exception. So why can’t we harness some of that urgency to tackle the climate crisis? 17 councils have now declared a climate emergency - so let’s fast-track some climate action!

What would you do if we told you that we have 1 year to fight climate change?
How should the Government act if they knew the CO2 we emit in the next 5 years would determine whether we lock in an unliveable future?
What kinds of policies would you support if you knew that the CO2 molecules that we emit today will last 300 - 1000 years in the atmosphere?

Image of a bullet train with the caption ‘The only fast-track we’re interested in is high speed rail’ — Newsletter coming straight to you from our (currently low-speed) rail; literally, I am writing this on a train (image source). Disclaimer: we are also interested in many other climate and renewable energy projects needed to drive lightning-speed decarbonisation ⚡️

Scary questions maybe, but they direct us to think about what we could achieve if we put our collective minds towards it, rather than, say, looking for more oil & gas.

Current emissions have a compounding effect - every bit of CO2 emissions we create now hangs out in the atmosphere or the ocean for 300 to 1000 years. So every year, like compound interest, our emissions add up. But what that also means is that the inverse is true: every reduction we make today can have massive ripple effects into the future.

What can we do today?

Last week, over 650 of you clicked on our oil and gas ban submission guide from all over the internet, and the fast track map has had over 1000 views already. Great work!

🐝 5 minutes: So long and thanks for all the fish

A win for a decade-long campaign: Cabinet has agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill, to protect & restore depleted ecosystems from overfishing. Thanks to those of you who signed petitions & submissions for this in the past. However, a last-minute amendment is undermining the protections by still allowing commercial fishing in certain areas. Healthy oceans absorb more carbon and 91% of our excess global warming heat. With rising temperatures, overfishing, and pollution threatening ocean health, we can’t skimp on protections to help them continue this vital role.
Action: Sign the open letter to make this a true win, and ensure that high protection areas are truly protected

🐇 15 minutes: Form up, folks

The government has released the list of fast-tracked projects (mapped here). Many are ‘zombie’ projects which failed independent reviews earlier including seabed mining and continuation of coal mines. What’s more, if the Fast Track bill passes, it strips back decades of environmental protections and sets a bad legal precedent for prioritising profit over democratic decision-making and a liveable environment.
Action: Fill in this survey to express your interest in volunteering for a local anti-fast-track campaign
This one’s a cheeky plug for newsletter team member Jenny: whether you're a café, a corporate office, a council, a church, or a courier, Rewiring Aotearoa is calling on businesses and institutions across the country to participate in their national Machine Count survey, as part of a study funded by Ara Ake. The data from this survey will improve our understanding of the fossil fuel machines used around the country, and what it will take to replace them with affordable, electric alternatives.
Action, by 9 Nov: Take the survey and be in the draw to win over $3500 worth of prizes. You can also share with your networks on socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X

💃🏽 30+ minutes: Every Day is National Climate Day! But mostly this Thursday

Online, Thursday 12:30pm: Get your team together to jump into climate action on National Climate Day. The Jump is seven doable lifestyle shifts that reduce your emissions, encourage a more balanced lifestyle, and link you to a growing global movement.
Action: Register for this webinar or suggest one of these actions for your team to do on National Climate Day!
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, this Thursday, 8am: Free zero carbon breakfast at Britomart for world climate action day!
Action: Rock up to free breakfast in Britomart
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, 30th Oct; Pōneke/Wellington, 24 Oct: Oxfam Aotearoa are hosting an inspiring kōrero from Indigenous women climate leaders. All are welcome to this lively evening, with speakers Tanya Afu (Solomon Islands Climate Action Network), Bianca Ranson (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa), and Mary Moeono-Kolio (Pacific Climate Warriors, Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty).
Action: Get your free ticket to Wāhine Toa: Indigenous women leading climate justice

In case you missed it!

Last chance to vote in the Auckland Entrust election, an opportunity to decarbonise our biggest city’s energy system in less than 5 minutes! Anyone who lives here with their name on the bill can vote. Last election, less than 10% of eligible people voted, which means your vote and everyone you tell will make a difference.
Due 5pm Friday, ideally post your vote before Thursday: Future-proof your power bill in 5 mins with our guide on how to vote in the Auckland Entrust election.
If you don’t live in Auckland: Check out our blurb to spread the word to your Auckland friends!
A climate action roadshow on an e-motorbike, coming to a town near you! Mike King is riding across Aotearoa talking about climate action.
Action: Check the dates for Mike King’s roadshow.

That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy these photos from our low-speed rail, from a recent trip I took from Tāmaki to Pōneke: