National Party must stop holding Kiwis ransom with climate change outlook
OPINION: I believe it is high time for the National Party to retire their climate villain persona. US president Donald Trump has already taken that position on the global stage so it's time for National to bow out gracefully. Let me be clear if we get an insufficient draft Zero Carbon Bill next year it will be because the National Party is using the futures of all Kiwis as a political football. An ego-driven, point scoring game. The proposed new climate change law for Aotearoa New Zealand is in no way trying to be 'first, fast and famous' as described by Todd Muller , National's climate change spokesperson. Let's fact check this. Firstly, we are nowhere near leading the world in this space - we are basing our proposed law on a 10-year-old climate law from the UK. We are already 10 years behind, not leading. READ MORE: * Simon Doull dismisses climate change as 'rubbish' in ODI cricket commentary * I was a late convert to being a climate change leader for business, and I'm not alone * Peninsula problems: A small council fights a rising sea, on all sides * What is the NZ Government's Zero Carbon Bill and will it do anything? Secondly, we only appear to be going fast now as there has been no real action for two decades our emissions have continued to rise and we've bought our way out of the problem using overseas carbon credits. We are now trying to catch up on implementing twenty years of domestic climate policy thanks to this inaction which started in the 90s and continued through successive governments since. It's not hard to look ambitious when the benchmark is zero. Thirdly, we are well known internationally as dragging our heels on this issue do we still want to be seen that way by the global community? Is this the fame we seek? Would we rather be capitalising on new industries and technological development from the changing global economy, or are we content being left in the dust? And speaking of dust have you seen how much worse drought conditions will be under the continued climate emergency during the next few decades? I'm from an East coast sheep and beef farm and I have seen first hand how drought worsened by climate change have already impacted my family and my community over the last few years. It's not just drought either. Add to that list severe flooding and storms remember the Edgecumbe flooding and Tropical Cyclone Gita? And also coastal erosion - have you been to the Hawkes Bay or West Coast lately? Climate change isn't a future thing, it's here now. The correlation between the severe nature of these events and climate change is now undeniable. Newsflash, climate denialism is so very last century. What's worse is that Simon Bridges, leader of the National Party, is now attempting to give false hope to communities affected by the halt on new oil and gas exploration permits by saying he would reopen the exploration permits if he got re-elected. This is simply cruel and another example of using the climate crisis for political point scoring. These communities don't need this false hope, they need real discussions and allocated funding to help them transition from an economy that is driven by the oil and gas industry (which is causing climate change), to one that is sustainable, well thought through and future-proofed. The residents should guide these changes and a safe space needs to be created for all to share their opinions. The community needs to grieve the change of identity and loss of historical connection they will go through by changing how their economy runs. But we need to start this process soon as there is no time to lose. All political parties are responsible for getting this transition right. We as a country have a responsibility to look after the most vulnerable. It is often those most at risk that can't afford to cope with these climate change impacts. In Aotearoa, this is already hurting our friends and neighbours, as well as increasing the burden on taxpayers. We need to be planning for this now. We need a strong law to guide us towards the solutions to all these problems; one that has genuine support from across the political spectrum, is done in proper partnership with tangata whenua, takes into account our historical emission responsibilities, and we need it yesterday. Current and future generations will harshly judge those who stand in the way of reducing New Zealand contributions to climate change, as well as those who impede planning for climate change impacts. We need to protect our families, communities and continue to develop new livelihoods. So if you have a problem with ambitious climate action, Mr Bridges and Mr Muller, then step aside. It appears you wouldn't know ambition if you tripped over it. What is being proposed next year with the Zero Carbon Bill is the bare minimum. So let's pull on our collaboration boots and get on with the job. - Lisa McLaren is originally from a farm in the Wairarapa which she still calls home. She is a PhD student at Massey University where she is looking at community participation in hazard-based science. She also leads the Zero Carbon Act campaign for Generation Zero.