Wellingtonians get on board for new 100% Possible campaign

500 Wellington train passengers pinned on yellow ribbons this morning to show their support for public transport, while a group of young people sailed around Wellington harbour with a large banner bearing the phrase “100% Possible”.

The events marked the beginning of the week-long, nationwide launch of the 100% Possible campaign – spreading the message that moving New Zealand beyond fossil fuels is 100% achievable.

The campaign is being coordinated by climate change groups 350 Aotearoa and Generation Zero.

350 Aotearoa Campaign Coordinator, Ashlee Gross says, “New Zealand is proud of our 70% renewable electricity. But we need to increase this, as well as transition our transport system and direct heating away from fossil fuels. That means smarter investment on transport, and it means a significant step up in renewable energy installations. The good news is we're in a great position to achieve these things. For example, our wind energy potential has been estimated at 3 times our total current electricity use."

Ms Gross cites Denmark as a leading example of how government should step up. “It’s comparable to New Zealand in many ways, and has a national plan to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050.”

13 cities around New Zealand are participating in the Wednesday, 27 February to Wednesday, 6 March launch, dubbed the “Week of Possibilities”.

Louis Chambers, Generation Zero spokesperson, says, “This week will highlight kiwi visions for a New Zealand beyond fossil fuels, as well as the opportunities that already exist”.

100% Possible will run throughout 2013, calling for national and local leadership to grab the opportunities for a thriving clean energy future for New Zealand.

Other events to keep an eye out for this week include flash mobs popping up around the country, a haka in solidarity with Pacific Island nations, and travelling “photobooths”, photographing New Zealanders sharing their solutions in a massive online photowall.

For more information about the Week of Possibilities and the 100% Possible campaign, see http://www.100percentpossible.org.nz or email 350@350.org.nz.

ENDS

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