Aucklanders urged to weigh in on Climate Action Framework
Aucklanders are urged to have their say on how the city deals with climate change. Time is running out though - and not just in light of scientists' warnings that the world needs to act now to combat rising temperatures. For anyone wanting to give feedback on the council's plan to fight climate change, the deadline is September 30. Auckland Council opened public feedback on its Climate Action Framework in mid-July. Since then, there have been more than 2000 responses, says Alec Tang, the council's acting chief sustainability officer. "[It's] really positive for us in terms of people actually wanting to act on climate and not just talk about climate." The public submissions period gives individuals and NGOs the chance to weigh in on the framework, telling the council what they agree with and what they want to be changed. Tang told Newshub that individuals can play a "big role" in influencing the framework, by "adding to and expanding on some of the things that we put in there, and just showing that awareness and willingness that this is really important to them." The framework comes after the council declared a " climate emergency " earlier this year. Councillor Penny Hulse says since then Aucklanders have given a "strong, clear message that council needs to take the lead in climate action." "I feel that there’s also an increase in sophistication around Aucklanders’ attitudes to climate change – that there’s a willingness to act, but a realisation that we need broad systems change – not just individual action," says Hulse. The framework sets out 11 key moves aimed at tackling greenhouse emissions in the city, as well as addressing climate impacts such as rising sea levels, increased flooding and accelerating losses in biodiversity and habitats. Bruce Kidd, from youth-led climate organisation Generation Zero , says it's a chance for Aucklanders to show they take the issue seriously. "We must be a leader in addressing climate change to the rest of the country." Kidd said various submission parties had been organised to make the process easier for people. "While there are good parts of the framework, there are some areas that need to be strengthened. "This is particularly so in having clear targets for each action and people who are clearly accountable for following through on them. The council recently declaring a climate emergency makes this even more important. We must have a climate framework that aligns with the urgency of a climate emergency." Tang says although ambitious, the goals are "definitely achievable". "The question is: how willing are we to action them best? "Without a doubt, achieving the outcomes that we've set is doable as long as we invest appropriately and recognise the issues if we don't." The challenge now is for everybody to get on the same page and turn talk into action. Newshub.