Issue #126: A vision for our villages
Yes I do think your powerpoint is cool
Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!
Recently I finished one of the nerdiest slideshows I have ever made (and to know me is to know that there are many competitors). But while deep dive research and powerpoint skills seem like homework, for me it was a breath of fresh air. I needed to make something fun and hopeful to remind myself what we’re all working towards, and a slideshow of what makes a likeable, livable city felt like the right thing! It can sometimes feel futile to be continually pushing back against policies that harm the world we live in. It can start to feel like you are a trudging ‘no’-machine, solely writing about what we don’t want, and lacking the energy to push for what we do.
It helped to remind me that while opposing the bad is necessary, it’s just as important to hold on to the dream of what we are fighting for. Visualising what this could look like, and sharing these ideas with others is super powerful. Mine includes things like sheltered bus stops, frequent trains, or free, shared green spaces, and how they truly add to our lives (and a fun powerpoint or two).
I’m not the only one that believes beautifully designed cities can also be effective climate action! Women in Urbanism Aotearoa are a fantastic group specialising in designing stunning, accessible and sustainable cities. They’re an advocacy group open to people from all backgrounds. They’re having their SGM this August 22nd, and have two open roles for treasurer and chair, but you can also join as a general member.
What can we do today?
The most-clicked link from last week’s issue was the one-click petition to ban misleading advertising on vegan and vegetarian food.
🐝 5 minutes: F-oil their plans
Five Just Stop Oil protesters in the UK have been given lengthy (4-5 year long) prison sentences for organising a nonviolent protest. This sets a dangerous precedent for any form of peaceful protest, not just in the UK but internationally. The UK has just voted in a new government, so this is an opportunity to change these harsh anti-protest laws.
Action: Tell the new UK government to scrap the anti-protest laws350 Africa have launched REPower Afrika, a campaign to provide electricity to 100 villages through prioritised investment in community renewable projects. The villages sit along the pathway of the proposed EACOP crude oil pipeline, so the 350 team are calling on African nations to commit to the renewable transition.
Action: Sign to support a renewable future alongside 350 Africa
🐇 15 minutes: Second-rate plans
The Government has released their next emissions reductions plan (ERP) and according to Newsroom, this puts us off track from our net zero target. Reducing our emissions is fundamental for a liveable planet, so now’s a great time to send in some suggestions for improvements. In particular, they are relying on carbon capture and the ETS to meet emissions reductions targets. This is not enough - we need stronger policies to actually reduce emissions, especially from agriculture and transport.
Action: We’ll aim to have a submission guide for you next week, but for now have a read and submit on it yourself if you’re keen! Feel free to include suggestions for better policies. Here are some resources to consider:
💃🏽 30+ minutes: Everything is not all Gucci
Online, Thursday, 6:30pm: Did you know that 50% of all emissions come from the wealthiest 10% of the global population? Luxury emissions such as helicopter trips, super yachts, and driving gas guzzling vehicles for fun dangerous activity on a very rapidly warming planet.
Action: Join the Climate Liberation Aotearoa webinar to learn about luxury emissions
In case you missed it!
New mining of coal is a big part of the coalition government’s plans. This would lock us into 30 more years of a dying industry when we could instead be leading the way on a renewable, electrified economy. Every scientist and policy expert says we can have no new fossil fuel extraction to stay at a safe climate temperature. New coal mining is a lose-lose, economically & environmentally.
Action, due 5pm Wednesday (tomorrow: Oppose the Draft Minerals Strategy with this quick submit guide
Upcoming workshops
Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara, 2pm - 5pm Tue 27 Aug, at 2/57 Willis Street, CBD: register here
Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, 4pm - 7pm Mon 16 Sep, at Tower Insurance, Level 5/136 Fanshawe St, CBD: register here
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this ground-breaking research (paper here) which shows that most of the world’s population wants to fight climate change, but that majority thinks they are the minority. Keep in mind this broad global support the next time you think about climate action!
See you next week,
Dhanya & the Climate Club team
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Morena Dhanya ! I liken your slideshow to Leela Sinha's "Benches on the Porch" concept. you have both inspired me to write "Eighty Billion Steps" for my post on the Last Friday of August. My regards your team. Peace, Maurice