NZ government stalls; the people are fed up

People from around the country are impatient with waiting for the Government to take real action on climate change and have decided to take matters into their own hands.

The people of New Zealand have drafted a Declaration setting out what needs to be done urgently. Concerned people, companies, organisations and local governments will sign the Declaration to commit to making real action on climate change happen. This will be done through community climate action plans where organisations investigate their own climate impact and make plans to reduce it.

"Once people start to realise that - as a group - they can make a significant impact, we shift the culture from one characterised by hopelessness, fear and avoidance to one of empowerment, inspiration and action. I can see people who have been stuck not knowing how to respond to the threat of climate change really stepping forward, doing what they can and even getting involved in lobbies and protests - because at the end of the day, we need our government to come to the party with much stronger responses too" says Lucette Hindin, Christchurch organiser.

The Climate Declaration will be launched on Sunday 18 June, simultaneously in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The launches will be video-linked, with each venue receiving speakers from the others. It will also be live-streamed so that New Zealanders everywhere are able to watch.

Help will be available to groups such as schools, churches, small business, sports clubs, service groups, medical practices, unions, farmers, and all places where people collectively use energy and can help protect the climate.

The Declaration is available at www.ourclimatedeclaration.org.nz and can be signed online.

Endorsements have come in from James Renwick, climate scientist; Phillip Mills, businessman; OraTaiao, an organisation of health professionals advocating for healthy climate action; musicians such as Peter Scholes and celebrities such as Robyn Malcolm, who will all be featured at the launch

“Our Climate Declaration gives everyone a framework within which to take action - let's hope the government follows suit,” said Hindin.

Christchurch live event:
XCHC Exchange
376 Wilsons Road, Woolston, Christchurch
Sunday June 18, 3-5 pm.

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