Greens put heat on climate change campaign

The Green Party has welcomed the launch of a new, nation-wide campaign to combat climate change launched today, however, Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said more needs to be done if we are to change climate projections from very hot to temperate. "The Climate Change Office campaign is filled with reasonable hints and tips as to how New Zealanders can combat global warming," said Ms Fitzsimons. "It is good to see help for people who want to change their own behaviour to protect the climate for our children.

"It's also good to see a recognition that energy use is the key. But for the public and for business to take this campaign seriously, the Government must be seen to be taking real steps to restructure the economy to use less energy to provide the same level of well-being."

"I know from experience that using improved household energy-efficiency, 'walking buses' to and from school in lieu of car trips, solar water heating and composting can all make a difference.

"While the suggestions made in the climate change campaign are all achievable and commonsense, there is not enough emphasis on the most significant contributor of greenhouse gases - the car.

"Being environmentally conscious doesn't mean doing without cars, it just means of thinking before driving to avoid unnecessary trips. Planning your travel to complete more than one task, sharing transport to events, and walking short distances are all eminently sensible suggestions.

"There are also vehicles around which are much more fuel efficient than others. In particular, SUVs just don't make sense for urban use, in terms of fuel efficiency or parking space.

"Making sure your car is well-tuned will improve fuel efficiency, as will keeping to the speed limit. Every kilometre travelled at below 100kph uses less fuel, and emits less greenhouses gases, than a kilometre travelled at above 100kph.

"There are boons for both the environment and a driver's bank account from driving at reasonable speed," said Ms Fitzsimons. "There are fines, both for the environment and a driver's bank account from driving at excessive speeds."

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