Paris agreement welcomed and prompts personal actions here in NZ

“NZ Sustainable Living Education Trust welcomes the international deal made in Paris today, which includes agreement to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and to achieve climate 'neutrality' that will stop most use of fossil fuels after mid­century. Much of the already-identified oil and coal will have to remain in the ground, whilst New Zealand’s renewables such as hydro, geothermal, wind, photo­voltaics and biofuels will be further developed, alongside energy use efficiency.”

Across New Zealand*, this local government­managed charitable trust provides independent information: on home energy efficiency, low­carbon travel options, home food growing (for reduced petrochemicals and food kms), water use efficiency (less power required for pumping)and many other ways to reduce household carbon footprint. Website learning, guides for study groups and taught classes are supported. “It provides practical future living skills in this warming world” says Sustainable Living Trust national coordinator, Rhys Taylor.

“Change needs to be personal, too”, Taylor adds: “so 2016 will be the year I install PV generation at my home and office.” He already has sufficient insulation, solar thermal water hearing and a cleaner­burn woodstove at home in Geraldine, South Canterbury. “We are also considering electric­assisted bikes to substitute for a car on local trips, and will enjoy the healthy exercise that brings.”

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*Member councils of the Trust are currently: Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington (via grant to Transition Town groups) Hutt City, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Waimakariri, Christchurch,Timaru, Waitaki, Dunedin, Central Otago and Invercargill. Together they cover a population of nearly 2M. More councils will join from June 2016. Details at www.sustainableliving.org.nz

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