It’s happening! Just Transition Community Strategy Hui, 23 Nov 1-7pm New Plymouth

2030 Just Transition Community Strategy Hui

Saturday 23 November 1-7pm, Hatherly Hall, New Plymouth.

The clock is ticking on this global climate crisis and we may have less than ten years to transition away from fossil fuels and towards a regenerative economy. Councils, government and big business however are working as a small select group on a 2050 transition plan focusing on crown investment in businesses. We think that’s too late and we think workers, kaitiaki and more of the community need to have real input and share the benefits not just the costs. Please join us in building a community just transition strategy by 2030!

Time	AGENDA
1:00	Welcome, icebreaker, introductions
1:30	Understanding the just transition political playing field eg. UNFCCC 10yr timeline, Zero Carbon Act, Tapuae Roa, Taranaki 2050 Roadmap…
2:00 2:30	Strategy for Community Just Transition by 2030 – what do we want? Visioning: What kind of future do we want? Rework the Taranaki2050 diagram. Active group feedback: What strategies and campaigns do groups already have? What’s useful to focus on e.g. energy, farming, transport, social wellness, political ideology? Start drawing up 10-year timeline.
3:30	Break, Networking, Kai o te ahiahi / Afternoon tea
4:00 4:30 5:00	Strategy for Community Just Transition by 2030 – how best to influence society and the powerful (https://trainings.350.org/topics/strategy/) Power mapping – who’s in the way? Spectrum of Allies / Upside-down Triangle Pillars of Power – who can help us remove the blocks? Paper Plate Critical Paths – how do we get to what we want? Build multi-strategy paths & rework timeline.
6:00	How do we keep working together well and what’s next?
6:30	Kai o te pō / Dinner

Please bring a plate to share and/or contribute to the costs of catering. Toys and books for kids are warmly welcome as is any help with the child-minding roster on the day.

If you can’t make it please email any thoughts, comments or ideas to climatejusticetaranaki@riseup.net and we’ll incorporate them into the strategy.

Our Goals:

• to bring together community groups, unions and individuals in Taranaki working towards a just transition in this climate emergency
• to share with each other what campaigns and strategies we are already using that align with a just transition
• to encourage and discuss how we could all work together long term
• to strategise collectively for a just transition by 2030, starting now with key players in order to set the stage nationally
• to provide time and space to up-skill each other in areas we may need it eg. laws and policies, economics, decolonisation, nvda and communication.

Saturday 23 November from 1-7pm at Hatherly Hall

37 Vivian Street, New Plymouth (Foyer of St Mary’s Cathedral)

23rd November – 2030 Just Transition Community Strategy Hui

2030 Just Transition Community Strategy Hui
23 November 1-7pm, Hatherly Hall (next to Taranaki Cathedral), 37 Vivian St, New Plymouth.

The clock is ticking on this global climate crisis and we may have less than ten years to transition away from fossil fuels and towards a regenerative economy. However councils, government and big business are working as a small select group on a 2050 transition plan focusing on crown investment in businesses. We think that’s too late and we think workers, kaitiaki and more of the community need to have real input. Join us in starting a community just transition strategy by 2030!

More details soon!

Resource Management Amendment Bill- Have your say by Thur 7 Nov

Here’s our chance to tell the government how to fix the RMA. We have these 4 key points:

1. Climate change is a matter of national importance and must be at the core of every resource based decision. Add “the protection of our life-supporting climate and climate change mitigation and adaptation” to section 6 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
2. Councils and consent authorities must consider the effects on climate change of greenhouse gas discharge into the air when making rules and assessing consent applications. Sections 70A and 104E of the RMA currently forbid this. They should be either repealed entirely, or revised while keeping the ability of councils and consent authorities to consider “the extent that the use and development of renewable energy enables a reduction in the discharge into air of greenhouse gases…”
3. The Zero Carbon Bill seeks to set emissions budgets and reduction plans to help limit global average temperature increase to 1.5^o Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To make this happen, sections 68 and 76 of the RMA need to be expanded to require regional and district rules to take into account emissions targets, plans and budgets.
4. To reduce barriers against tree protection, repeal sections 76(4A) to (4D) of the RMA concerning district rules.

Make your submission to the Parliamentary Environment Committee by this Thur 4 Nov online.

Hydrogen for decarbonisation, yeah right!

MBIE A Vision for Hydrogen in New Zealand, Sept 2019 (Figure 15)

Here’s what we think about MBIE’s A Vision for Hydrogen in New Zealand, what’s yours?

1. We are extremely concerned about the overarching push for hydrogen. With our climate crisis, we need urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pressure on natural resources, to pull back from exceeding planetary boundaries. We also need to build societal resilience and adaptation to crises. We do not have the time or luxury for unproven technology and ‘Think Big’ projects.
2. Given the urgency for real climate action, development of brown, grey and blue hydrogen cannot be a genuine or effective transition pathway, because of its reliance on fossil fuels and unproven carbon capture, use and storage. It prolongs fossil fuel exploration, mining and reliance.
3. We ask that MBIE put forward a clear position and instigate legislation to prohibit any new brown, grey and blue hydrogen development.
4. The narratives of ‘decarbonising industrial processes’ and ‘decarbonising gas supplies’ are misleading. Like fossil fuel-derived urea, ‘green urea’ made from green hydrogen will also release nitrous oxide when applied on farms, facilitate overstocking and fuel climate-damaging industrial agriculture. Blending hydrogen into the existing gas network is full of problems and again, prolongs fossil fuel reliance and status quo.
5. Green hydrogen is extremely energy intensive to produce and store. Consideration of its development and application must first be thoroughly assessed and compared with all other energy options. The goal of any development needs to be resource conservation, security and resilience, and social wellbeing, not economic profits. Making green hydrogen for export does not make environmental, social or economic sense.

Our full submission can be downloaded here.

MEDIA RELEASE: Taranaki joins climate rebellion

Members of community groups Extinction Rebellion Taranaki, Climate Justice Taranaki and Taranaki youth representatives are in Wellington to support the blockade of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), NZ’s ministry for oil, gas and minerals.“We are in Wellington with people from across Aotearoa with whom we share a concern about the current climate emergency. We are outside MBIE to demand an immediate halt to further oil and gas exploration permits being handed out to companies” says Tony Hansen from Extinction Rebellion Taranaki.

“We want a future where all life thrives yet MBIE is encouraging the burning of fossil fuels that are pushing us towards mass extinction.”

“We need radical and systematic change with a just transition that puts the interests of communities, workers and the environment at its centre. Companies like OMV, Todd, Tamarind, Fonterra, Ravensdown and Fletchers have done enough damage” says Emily Bailey from Climate Justice Taranaki.

“We need to see that the capitalist economic system created this climate crisis because profit only comes from exploiting workers and the environment. It’s time for system change.”

“Last week, Taranaki youth participated in the third global climate strike. Now we are in Wellington to support the call for urgent climate action. We’ve had enough empty promises” says Taranaki student Ethan Griffiths.

Time to shut Ravensdown?

Climate Justice Taranaki padlocked the gate today at the fertiliser factory Ravensdown, blocking trucks, in light of the company’s connections to many environmental and social issues, climate change being number one.

“We have been warned by the world’s leading scientists that we only have ten years before we hit the tipping point on our planet’s climate crisis, so the next year or two is the time to really push for a societal shift away from climate polluting industries.”

“We locked the gate here at Ravensdown today to highlight the fact that this company as it is, should be shut down.”

“Ravensdown fertiliser is derived from gas, a fossil fuel, and ‘Blood phosphates’ taken from Western Sahara under military occupation. When used the fertiliser emits nitrous oxide which is a greenhouse gas 400 times worse than carbon dioxide.”

“For decades Ravensdown’s fertilisers have propped up industrial agriculture in this country, which contributes half of all our emissions, mostly as methane which while short-lived is over 80 times worse than carbon dioxide. Together fertiliser and industrial farming are also causing massive damage to our soils and waterways, killing off native fish and kaimoana.”

“On the social front, Western Saharan communities bear the brunt of Morocco’s military invasion to steal the phosphates that are now only sold to Ballance and Ravensdown in New Zealand, since all other countries have banned it.”

“There are also reports from ex-employees about the terrible working conditions in the New Plymouth factory where safety clothing has to be discarded due to severe heat since the company refuses to use proper ventilation.”

“The working conditions on industrial NZ farms, propped up by these fertilisers, is well known with long hours and poor pay in an unsustainable industry wracked with billions of dollars of debt to send 96% of its commodity products overseas.”

“So this is a warning to Ravensdown, Ballance and the industrial farming sector that the spotlight is on them now. The world is calling for urgent change towards sustainable and regenerative farming which can convert productive pastures to a net carbon sink. If these companies don’t change, they should expect to lose their social licence and investors just like their buddies in the oil and gas sector. We need an urgent just transition that works for everyone and an end to CEOs lining their pockets with the collective wealth of our environment, workers and communities.”

“The Prime Minister just said at the UN Climate Summit that we are determined to be ‘the most sustainable food producers in the world’. To make this happen the government should pay a much stronger role in regulating the unsustainable agri-chemical industry,” said Climate Justice Taranaki member Emily Bailey.

“Unlike carbon dioxide, the short lifespan of methane emissions means cutting them back now could give us a real chance to stop this climate crisis. We urge farmers to shift to more organic and regenerative farming for local markets and encourage everyone to get to the student-led Climate Strike this Friday at 11am in Huatoki Plaza,” concluded Bailey.

DATE: 24th September 2019

Taranaki Climate Action Week, 20-27 September

In response to increasing effects of climate change across the world from wildfires, cyclones and dried up glaciers, and the call to action from students and communities across the globe, Climate Justice Taranaki has compiled a week of climate action here in Taranaki from September 20-27.

There are events to plant trees, picket oil companies and fertiliser companies, a car-free day supported with free buses and a local body candidate forum hosted by unions and more.

Friday 20, Car Free Day – Free Buses!

Get used to leaving the car at home to reduce our emissions and support public transport. Walk, bike, skate, scoot or catch the bus for free (includes Citylink services, the Connector from Te Hāwera to New Plymouth, and Southlink services, excluding school buses). Supported by councils.

Saturday 21, The Great Conservation Treasure Hunt!

Climate change is creating lots of problems for our wildlife. Join the hunt and check out some cool places and meet Taranaki community groups working to protect our environment. Free team event with prizes to be won. Hosted by NPDC. Book online. Meet Puke Ariki Foyer 10am, finish 1pm.

Sunday 22, Rapid Reforestation Urenui Gully Project ‘1st Planting Day’

Meet North Rd, Urenui 10am-1pm. RSVP via www.eventfinda.co.nz or facebook event page.

Monday 23, Taranaki Local Body Candidate Forum

Industry workers’ union ‘E tū’ is hosting a free, public forum for Taranaki local body candidates to introduce themselves and their policies and answer some questions from our community on topics like the climate, The Living Wage Campaign, Just Transition and Taranaki 2050, Local Government procurement practices, The Future of Work and funding for our public services. Venue: New Plymouth Council Chambers 5-7:30pm, light snacks provided.

Tuesday 24, Fertile Future not Fertiliser Farming

Join Climate Justice Taranaki for a picket outside fertiliser company Ravensdown. Farming is responsible for half of NZ’s emissions. Fossil fuel based fertilisers are a major driver of industrial agriculture, also damaging soils and waterways. We need to shift to regenerative agriculture that builds fertile, carbon-rich soils naturally while reducing emissions. Meet factory entrance Devon Rd, Waiwhakaiho, NP. Time to be confirmed on FB event.

Wednesday 25, Picket the Petroleum Polluters

Join Climate Justice Taranaki for a lunchtime picket outside Taranaki’s current largest petroleum extractor OMV. Meet 12 noon at 54 Gill St, NP, to urge them to stop drilling in Taranaki and start transitioning to renewable energy now. Bring placards, banners, chalk and noise-makers.

Friday 27, Strike 4 Climate!

School Strike 4 Climate NZ are holding a third strike to demand the government and councils take urgent and meaningful action for the climate and our collective future. Organisers are calling on everybody to join them and stand in solidarity for urgent action on the climate crisis. Meet 11am in Huatoki Plaza, New Plymouth to hīkoi through town then return for kōrero, kai and entertainment. Bring placards, banners, chalk and noise-makers.

******************

October 20, Climate Change What Can I do? / Activating a Just Transition

Climate Change & Consciousness Taranaki invite the community to a free workshop event Beyond my Back Fence: Climate Change What Can I do? at Puke Ariki Library 2-4:30pm, opening with brief kōrero from local activists. Followed by Activating a Just Transition public workshops on effective strategising and communication, hosted by Climate Justice Taranaki with support from E Tū! Snacks and light supper provided. 4:30-7:30pm, venue TBC.