Issue #52: New Lunar Year, New Leader

Leadership might change, but the work continues

Jan 23, 2023

Mōrena, and happy Lunar New Year! 🐇🌚

As you might have heard, Jacinda Ardern resigned as prime minister of Aotearoa last Thursday after leading the country for nearly six years. There’s a lot we could say about Ardern’s legacy in climate action - the wins and the misses - but there are plenty of articles doing just that. What is becoming clear, though, is that the world is not going to change from the attempts of one person alone, even one as powerful as a prime minister.

Climate achievements come about through organisations, communities, and engaged citizens that consistently and strategically push for a better world. I’m thinking about these older words from A. J. Hendry, a youth worker, advocate for social justice, and founder of ‘When Lambs Are Silent’:

Community building is not easy, but it is vital we do not forget that what we see in our Parliament is a manifestation of what exists within our communities.
The vision and values of those in power are shaped by us as a collective. We have more power than we realize. As we change, so do they.

What can you do today?

The most-clicked link from last week’s issue was the petition to reject Sealord’s bottom trawling plans. They’re just 56 signatures away from 6,000!

🐝 If you have 5 minutes: Corner the market

We shared this ETS submission last year, but the deadline has now been extended until February. The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a critical way that New Zealand controls the price of carbon to push emissions down. Currently the government is proposing more transparency and regulation of the carbon market.
Action: If you missed out last time, use our submission guide to have your say in 5 mins!

🐇 If you have 15 minutes: Come work with us!

Climate Club NZ is looking for some volunteers for a series of workshops we are running. This is a new initiative we are doing, to work with university-age folks to combat climate misinformation and greenwashing, and to brainstorm on high-impact climate action.
Action: Check out this job posting for workshop facilitators or share with a friend who might be a fit! If you have other skills that might contribute to this kaupapa, we’d love to hear from you too!

💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more: Get Greenpeace of mind

Do you have an urgent challenge that your local or regional council should be addressing? Greenpeace is hosting an online workshop to talk about targets, tactics and all about how we make change. If you have an idea for activism on an environmental issue this year come along!
Action: Attend the online interactive workshop at 6:30pm next Tuesday, Jan 31st

Climate Club