New Zealanders remove the wool from their eyes for action on climate change

Wellington, 10 August: At 1pm this Wednesday 12 August, people across New Zealand will gather in public places with woolly hats over their eyes. At 1.05pm they will collectively lift the wool from their eyes, demonstrating that they can see the benefits of strong action on climate change.

The nation-wide event, called Eyes Wide Open, is being organised by volunteers across New Zealand. It is supported by Oxfam New Zealand, 350 Aotearoa, Greenpeace New Zealand and the Intersect network of young professionals.

The event will follow on the heels of today's expected announcement by the Government of their 2020 emissions reduction target. There was strong public support for emissions reduction of 40% (relative to 1990 levels) during the public consultation round in July, but Climate Change Minister Nick Smith has already suggested that the Government’s target will be much lower, citing economic concerns.

"Much criticism has been directed at the Government’s representation of the NZIER / Infometrics economic
impacts report that they have been citing to justify a weak target. We won't let the wool be pulled over our eyes that a strong target is achievable”, says Eyes Wide Open co-coordinator Nick Holmes.

Event organisers are highlighting the benefits for New Zealand of being a climate change leader. Nick Potter, Chair of the Intersect Trust and a supporter of the event, says that this is chance for New Zealanders to collectively reframe the emissions reduction discussion. “For too long, the climate change conversation has been dominated by people emphasising the costs of action. The conversation needs to move to the costs of not taking action, and the benefits we can create by taking real action now.”

"There are viable reduction options in all emissions sectors”, says Jinty MacTavish, fellow coordinator of Wednesday's event. “Indeed, there are clear examples of ways to reduce emissions that will benefit not only the environment and our communities, but the economy as well.”

Benefits include new jobs and growth in industries that reduce emissions, business opportunities for farmers, and more vibrant towns and cities. New Zealand will also benefit by improving the 'clean and green' image that it trades on and avoiding more costly emissions reductions in the future.

Large crowds of people will gather in cities across New Zealand for this event. People who cannot make it to major events are also organising mini-events in their schools and workplaces. More information, including official Eyes Wide Open event locations, is available from www.eyeswideopen.org.nz.

ENDS