Gen Zero applauds Council leadership on climate change

Thursday, 15 October 2015, 11:22 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Generation Zero applauds Council leadership on climate change
Wednesday 14 October
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Youth organisation Generation Zero is welcoming yesterday’s announcement that Greater Wellington Regional Council has adopted a climate change strategy for Wellington.

“By preparing for the impacts of climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Wellington will become a more resilient, efficient, and livable city. This will mean a brighter future for this generation and the next“, said Generation Zero spokesperson Paul Young.

“We congratulate the Council on its commitment to take the lead on climate change action. This political leadership is sorely lacking in New Zealand.”

“We also applaud the positive community engagement process which saw many submitters’ recommendations adopted in the final strategy.”

Recommendations from Generation Zero and other submitters that were adopted include:
• Regularly measuring and publishing up to date information on greenhouse gas emissions in the Wellington region;
• Developing a policy of assessing possible climate change implications of all projects/ proposals in council papers, reports and project plans;
• Taking an active leadership role, fostering public debate and awareness through, for example, hosting talk series, symposia, forums and other public events
• Stronger wording in several of the draft objectives, policies and actions.

“There is much more to do, but this strategy provides a strong and coherent foundation to build from. We look forward to continued work with GWRC and others to advance greater action on climate change in the region,” said Mr Young.

“This announcement should also motivate the National Government to stop delaying action to reduce emissions in New Zealand. At present, the government has no substantive policies in place to signal to business owners, local government, and households how they should plan for the necessary transition to a zero carbon future.”

“GWRC and other local councils want to get on with it; it’s time for central government to back them up.”

ENDS

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