Candidates under the microscope on climate this election
Local government candidates under the microscope on climate this election
Groups pushing for urgent action on climate change will post an online scorecard to reveal local body candidates’ views on the issue.
Catherine
Jeffcoat, spokesperson for the Common Climate Network, said:
“It’s now very clear that action must be taken at a
global, national and local level. Local councils can help
reduce emissions through better policies and decisions on
transport, waste, energy efficiency, urban development and
land use. Mayors and councillors can also advocate for
greater action at a national level.”
“Public
concern about climate change is growing fast, so it is vital
that voters are able to clearly identify candidates who care
and who will support and lead meaningful action. We have
joined forces with Generation Zero to build on their
successful scorecard exercise in 2016 and bring it to even
more councils.”
Candidates in Auckland, Wellington,
Christchurch and Dunedin will receive a questionnaire that
asks for their general views on climate change, and
specifically their support for initiatives on public
transport, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and urban
development. The Common Climate Network is working with
local groups such as Low Carbon Kāpiti to tailor the
questions for specific climate issues in their particular
area.
The resulting scorecards will be published online by Common Climate and Generation Zero by 22 September, when voting papers will be mailed out.
Ms
Jeffcoat also said: “We invite other groups around the
country to use these questions for their local government
candidates and we will publish the
results.”
Professor James Renwick, Head of the
School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, which
includes the Climate Change Research Institute at Victoria
University of Wellington, said "With growing numbers of
councils around the world, and in New Zealand, declaring a
climate emergency, the 2019 local government elections must
be seen as an opportunity to do more. Given the lack of
understanding on some councils about climate change, voters
deserve better. This means we must vote for the candidates
who care, who understand the urgency, and who are prepared
to take action.”
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