Issue #12: Feet on the ground
On taking local action one step at a time
Kia ora, and happy Tuesday!
This past Saturday was the Global Day for Climate Action, a day when climate activists gear up to call for immediate, bold, and future-proofed action in response to the climate crisis. Here in Aotearoa, we are striking for climate action this coming Friday March 25th. Read on for links to the climate strikes you can attend, and more ways to continue your local activism, including writing to your MP and joining a climathon!
The most clicked link from last week’s issue was the Avaaz petition to stop doing business with Russian fossil fuel companies. Great work!
What can you do today?
🐝 If you have 5 minutes: Free Fares Forever
This week’s announcement that public transport fares will be halved is a great step in the right direction. However, people need predictability & long-term trust in order to fully switch to cleaner modes of transport. As Free Fares NZ have outlined clearly, free fares will benefit our climate, young people, families, and local communities.
Action: Sign the petition for free public transport forever
🐇 If you have 15 minutes: PM your MP about the ERP
A big part of an MP’s job is to talk to people and hear the voices of the people they represent. But I’m thinking, “Gosh, when’s the last time my MP heard from me?” Now is a great time to give your MP a bell, because right now, MPs are discussing what is going to be included in New Zealand’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) that is coming out on
May 10th(Correction on 13 Apr: the ERP is coming out on May 31st).
Action: Tell your MP you want to see a bold ERP, using this email template.
💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more: Get your feet to the street
This Friday March 25th is the Friday for Future’s Global Strike! Fridays for Future is a youth-led and organised climate strike movement calling for urgent action on the climate crisis.
Action: Wear green! Draw chalk on the footpaths! Take signs with you!
Take it further: If you deem it safe, here’s how to strike. Here’s the Facebook event for the Auckland strike.Interested in how to make a change in the Waikato region? Sign up for the Climathon Waikato, starting next Monday 28th March. It’s a 1 week online “ideathon” (4 evenings + 1 weekend), where you can connect with other changemakers and contribute your skills towards launching new ideas for climate solutions.
Action: Register here if you’re keen!
In case you missed it:
✏️ You have one more week to submit on the Auckland Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR). It takes 5 minutes, use 350 Auckland’s quick submission guide here, or join their submission writing club online event. A call for stronger climate action in Tāmaki Makaurau will have a big influence on the plans of other regions - so this definitely impacts everyone, and you don’t have to live in Auckland to submit!
💸 Christchurch Council also has a submission open calling for your views on free public transport and a climate action levy. Use this quick submission guide to have your say! Again, you don’t have to live in Christchurch to submit, and these regional wins pave the way for others.
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this beautiful, interactive climate blog by Parametric Press.
See you next week,
Dhanya, Emily, and Jenny from the Climate Club
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