#159: Climate action's HOT
On facing your climate dread
Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!
Recently I’ve been reading The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson, a book published in 2020 that’s a part of the emerging genre of ‘climate fiction’, fiction that grapples with the present reality and possible futures of climate change.
The book opens with the line: “It was getting hotter.” I remember reading that first line after I’d bought it in 2021 and immediately going nope, not doing that; then letting it sit on my bookshelf for four years untouched, until recently picking it back up again.
If I think back on why I couldn't read it the first time, I think I just wasn't ready to face whatever future it imagined. I was too steeped in climate anxiety and dread; I couldn't bring myself to look, to bear witness to what might come next. But the Ministry for the Future isn’t a far-flung apocalypse story: it’s a story of the present. It’s sobering, yes, but also hopeful. So enormous in scope that it captures all of the awful, unjust reality of climate change while also showcasing all of the wonderful ways that people work together and fight for justice, community, and for the planet itself.
Climate fiction can be hard to read, but that’s what makes it important: it imagines all of the possibilities the future might take, and in doing so, helps us to think about what we can do today to make sure the path we end up going down is one of hope and justice.
What can we do today?
The most-clicked link last week was the petition to oppose the proposed Denniston’s coal mine!
🐝 5 minutes: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A cycle path)
Wellington’s Long-Term Plan has been revised, and unfortunately it’s bad news for anyone who doesn’t want their only option to be sitting in traffic….in an effort to cut infrastructure spending, councillors have cut bus and bike lanes, and footpath improvements - all things that increase the number of low-carbon transport options for Wellingtonians. Luckily, our friends at threesixtysix have created an email guide to speak out against this.
Action: Scroll on down this article to find a handy email guide!Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland: Auckland Transport is working with the Devonport - Takapuna Local Board to improve walking and cycling options in the area, which means now is a great time to ask for good cycle and footpaths. AT have set up an easy way to have your say.
Action: Drop a pin on the map to give your cycleway opinions!
💃🏽 30+ minutes: Tis the season for Council Plans
Otago, due May 2nd: The Otago Regional Council is currently taking feedback on its 2025-2035 Public Transport Plan. The ORC is responsible for a large portion of the South Island and this regional transport plan will have a significant impact on these communities develop over the next 10 years. We have put together a submission guide to help guide you through.
Action: Use our submission guide to give feedback on the plan
Nelson, due Weds April 17th: Nelson City Council is currently engaging the community on the draft Climate Change Strategy for Nelson, and they are really looking for strong community engagement. We don’t have a guide for this one, but the submission can be as short as 5 minutes, and you can comment on parts of the document if you don’t get a chance to read the full document.
Action: Have your say on the Nelson Climate Strategy (we prefer Option B, the more ambitious target!)
Save the Date
Te Whanganui-a-Tara, May 3, 10am - 1:30pm: The Society for Conservation Biology Wellington Chapter invites you to the Earth Optimism Talks at Zealandia.
Action: Register here (small fee)
In case you missed it!
Manawatū-Whanganui: Submit on the Horizons Annual Plan this month to bring frequent, reliable public transport to Whanganui and Horowhenua within the next year. This would mean rapid transport emissions reduction, less traffic, and better access between neighbourhoods. Support Option 1 in the consultation with this guide, written by Climate Club reader and transport advocate Anthonie Tonnon.
Action: Use this submission guide to encourage better public transport in the Horizons Long-term PlanClosing next Tuesday: The Radical Action Grants are open for applications! This group is offering grants of $500-$700 for climate justice and environmental groups that have a project in mind. The projects can be as radical as you desire - they’ve funded leaflet and speaking tour actions in the past, as well as protests. Check out their past recipients here!
Action: Share this grant opportunity with a climate or environmental community in your life
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy these artworks from folks at Generation Zero envisioning climate safe futures.
See you next week,
Jodie & the Climate Club team
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