Issue #19: Making history

On the historic first emissions reduction plan

May 10, 2022

Kia ora, and happy Tuesday!

It’s a historic week in climate politics! New Zealand’s first Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) is finally being released next Monday 16 May, ahead of the Budget on the 19th. Remember seeing this submission guide for the draft ERP around the end of last year? It was one of our first efforts at amplifying campaigns before we decided to expand it into this newsletter you’re reading today :)

The ERP will address how we meet our Emissions Budgets (which were set by the Cabinet just yesterday) for the next three years. James Shaw’s speech yesterday gives some good background on how this all works. Whatever changes are announced, there will always be room for improvement. As climate activists, we are hoping for pragmatic long-term changes. It’s now our job as the general public to put pressure on politicians to work together, to make sure the plan is put into action as quickly and comprehensively as possible.

The most clicked link from last week’s issue was a petition calling on the US government to ban products linked to deforestation from the country.

What can you do today?

🐝 If you have 5 minutes: Build up, not out

The Christchurch City Council is asking for submissions on the Draft Housing and Business Choice Plan Change. This would enable denser housing in areas with good access to public transport, essential services and infrastructure, plus support the development of Ōtautahi’s tree canopy!
Action: Use Gen Zero’s quick submit before Friday to enable denser housing in Christchurch
Our mates at Greenpeace Australia are fighting to stop “the most climate polluting project proposed in Australia” (yeah, that’s saying something). Woodside Petroleum received approval to deep-sea drill for gas in Western Australia’s Scarborough gas field. Endangered ecosystems, globally significant Aboriginal heritage, and 1.7 billion tonnes of CO2 are at stake.
Action: Sign this petition to oppose Woodside’s drilling for gas
Bonus action: Share this petition with any friends living in Aussie!

🐇 If you have 15 minutes: Put your mail on a snail

Postcards are a long-standing, highly effective way to ensure that our MPs feel supported to act urgently for a better future - they load up in-trays, and the best ones can go up on their walls! MPs in all political parties need to support the ERP, so that we can move together with urgency.
Action: Send a postcard to Parliament (for free!)

💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more: V is for volunteer

It’s been great to see some of you dip your toes into regular volunteering for a climate organisation. There are open roles in climate organisations all the time - everyone’s skills are needed when it comes to climate solutions.
Action: Look through these Open Volunteer Positions. Contact one to learn more, or share with/shoulder-tap friends who might suit the roles.

Wins

In Issue 10, we amplified Gen Zero’s campaign to support Auckland Council’s proposal for a Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR). The result? The CATR got huge support!
The petition you signed for the fossil free schools campaign has succeeded in getting all coal boilers in NZ schools to be gone by 2025! Great work! 💪

That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this Stuff article about the Seniors Climate Action Network (SCAN), a group of 200 seniors in Dunedin who are spending their retirement fighting for a safe climate future.

See you next week,

Dhanya, Emily, and Jenny from the Climate Club

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