#168 What keeps you going?

All you need is love (and structural change)

Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!

Over Matariki, I’ve been reflecting on how this celebration of renewal can be a great reminder of our connection to the natural world and its rhythms. Heading out on a chilly, dark morning to spot Puanga (at the insistence of my kids) gave us a sense of wonder and of being part of something so much bigger than our little selves.

It’s this sense of being part of something that makes me think of our varied motivations for taking part in the climate movement. One of the tricky things about the climate crisis is not just its complexity, but time - this is a long-term issue that needs solutions on multiple levels - we’re in it for the long haul.

So how do we stay engaged with an issue that’s just so big? Anger and frustration can be incredible motivators, and these feelings are totally valid. But I’ve been struck by how connection, compassion and, well, love, can also be key to successful long-term action, building inner resilience and bolstering public support for climate action.

This might look different for all of us - maybe you’re motivated to bring about positive change by love for your favourite beach, your children, the sound of native birdsong or the awe-inspiring constellations in the night sky.

When you’re needing a bit of motivation, what helps you to get stuck into a submission, attend a composting workshop, or take some time out to rest and recharge? What helps you feel connected and keeps you burning bright, rather than burning out?

Big welcome to our newest writer Jen! Jen’s background is in magazines and writing, but for the last few years she has been studying psychology and has just finished a Master’s on eco-anxiety.

What can we do today?

The most-clicked link last week was Greenpeace’s open letter to stop the Government from increasing glyphosate levels by 100 times more!

🐝 5 minutes: A load of rubbish

• Plans to burn waste to generate electricity, or ‘waste-to-energy incinerators’ have so far fallen short in New Zealand - but we need to stay vigilant, as there are more proposals underway. While at first glance they may seem like a win-win, these plants produce huge emissions and toxic pollution for very little electricity.

  Action: Sign this petition to ask Parliament to ban waste-to-power incinerators. If you’ve got extra time on your hands, the petition page also has a ton of links to additional info on this process.

🐇 15 minutes: Keep it fresh

• Fresh water is fundamental to our health, but pollution from intensive dairy farming is putting our water at risk in Canterbury.

  Action: Join your local water network here to advocate for safe drinking water and swimmable rivers.

• What do you get when you combine a bike with a bus?? Not entirely sure… but taking your bike on the bus can unlock a whole new level of public transportation range! From July, Auckland is starting a year long trial which will allow people to take their bikes on buses travelling across the Harbour bridge on the Northern express bus. Not only is this really exciting for Auckland cyclists, it encourages general expansion of climate friendly transport options in our cities - the more these trials get approved the more options we have for low carbon travel in our cities.

  Action: If you’re Auckland based, test out the new bike racks and give your feedback here.

💃🏽 30+ minutes: Lights, camera, action

• Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, 25th June 6 pm: A massive part of taking climate action is building community. Extinction rebellion and 350 Aotearoa are promoting a night of direct action films and kōrero. This could be a chance to meet fellow climate activists, or just to feel inspired by non violent direct actions like coal train blockades and mine site occupations.
  Action: RSVP to the event here

• Carters Beach Community Hall, Kawatiri Westport, 26th June 6- 8pm: Concerned about Denniston coal mine? You should be! Join a panel discussion with speakers from Climate Liberation Aotearoa, Forest and Bird and others to discuss the future of coal mining in Denniston.

  Action: Register for the event here

Wins!

• Submissions for the Regulatory Standards Bill have been received, and numbers are already looking promising! What an incredible effort from our communities all over Aotearoa and goes to show how fast action spreads when the message gets out.

• The French Senate has backed a bill to regulate fast-fashion giants, a move aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of the textile industry.

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That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy the return of the Rainbow Warrior to Auckland harbour 40 years after French Government agents bombed the original ship. This July visitors can take the opportunity to hop aboard and experience the legendary activist vessel for yourself!

See you next week,

Jen & the Climate Club team

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