At least Labour wants to save the planet
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1:16 pm, October 8th, 2018 - 46 comments
Categories: business, capitalism, climate change, Conservation, Donald Trump, Economy, energy, Environment, global warming, greens, labour, national, sustainability, us politics -
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One of the supposedly most contentious things this Government has done is take steps to stop offshore oil drilling.
Shock horror, there was no consultation, it will cost lots of jobs and it is one of the reasons that business confidence is plummeting.
Although stories about plummeting business confidence need to be taken with a certain amount of salt. As pointed out by the excellent Mediawatch on Radio New Zealand.
Stories about plunging confidence among business leaders just keep on coming – along with economic data that shows no need for panic. Other surveys of opinion about business and the economy tell a different story, but make far fewer headlines.
One of the claims is that the Government’s decision will actually increase greenhouse gas emissions.
Which it might, but only if a number of other nations decide to do nothing but be slow followers. If every nation steps up and does its fair share to reduce carbon emissions we have a chance. If a number of nations welch on their obligations we are f&%ked anyway. The right’s “this will increase carbon output because some idiot in another country will try and make money out of it” is a perfect metaphor for all that is wrong with capitalism
This was not only the firmly held beliefs of the oil industry and the National Party but it has also been something of a rallying cry. For those who still refuse to accept that climate change is happening.
And it is a bit tiring that we are still having this debate. In 2018. Decades after it was shown that climate change due to human causes is an actual thing.
Each year we see the retreat of ice levels at the poles and glaciers. We see more and more intense storms. Cyclone after cyclone. And we see spreading deserts and failing coral reefs due to warming seas.
Yet still we have to have the debate about how we should not do anything because it may not help. And the dogwhistle to the science deniers conspiracy freak right wingers makes them laugh loud. And claim that everything is fine.
But things are not fine. In fact when the Trump Administration states that we are looking at a near certain 4 degrees increase in global temperatures you know we have a problem.
Get that? Things are that bad that even the Trump Administration is acknowledging that global warming is inevitable. Although the message has changed. It used to be that we should do nothing because there was no problem. Now we should do nothing because it is too late.
Let that sink in, according to Trump we should give up doing anything about climate change because it is going to happen anyway. From Chinese conspiracy to inevitability in such a short time.
From the New York Post:
It’s getting hot in here.
A 500-page environmental statement by the Trump administration predicted that the planet will warm by seven degrees [farenheight] by 2100, the Washington Post reported.
Scientists said the effects would be catastrophic — flooding coastal cities like New York and Miami, causing irreparable harm to coral reefs and generating heat waves that would bake much of the planet, the report said.
The administration, in a draft statement issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, did not call for cutting greenhouse emissions to avoid the changes, but just the opposite.
The statement, written last month to justify freezing federal fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks manufactured after 2020 as proposed by the Obama administration, admitted the plan would increase vehicle emissions but said they’d only be a small addition to the environmental damage that’s already been done.
“The amazing thing they’re saying is human activities are going to lead to this rise of carbon dioxide that is disastrous for the environment and society. And then they’re saying they’re not going to do anything about it,” Michael MacCracken, who served as a senior scientist at the US Global Change Research Program between 1993 and 2002, told the newspaper.
Get all that? It is time to give up.
What has happened to the world’s aspirations? The IPCC is due to report today that the world can still get under the Paris Accord’s goal of a 1.5 degree increase. But it will not be easy.
From Umair Irfan at Vox:
The leading international body of climate change researchers is preparing to release a major report Sunday night on the impacts of global warming and what it would take to cap warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels, a goal that looks increasingly unlikely.
The report is from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an international consortium of hundreds of climate researchers convened by the United Nations. Authors are meeting this week in Incheon, South Korea, to finalize their findings, but Climate Home Newsobtained an early leaked draft.
Why examine the prospects for limiting global warming to 1.5°C? Because under the Paris agreement, countries agreed that the goal should be to limit warming to below 2°C by 2100, with a nice-to-have target of capping warming at 1.5°C.
According to the drafts, the report finds that it would take a massive global effort, far more aggressive than any we’ve seen to date, to keep warming in line with 1.5°C — in part because we are already en route to 3°C of warming. And even if we hit the 1.5°C goal, the planet will still face massive, devastating changes. So it’s pretty grim.
The graph below sets out how difficult things will be. And it makes it clear that the Trump Administration thinks that there will be no action taken to address climate change.
So after decades of the right saying that climate change is a figment of our imagination and we should do nothing the right is now saying that it is inevitable and so we should do nothing.
Which is why the current argument of the right, that we should continue drilling because if we don’t then the Chinese may drill more, is so annoying.
If you refuse to give up, if you still think that for the future of our kids and grand kids we should still do something then make a submission on the Government’s Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment bill. Submissions close on the 11th of October so do not hesitate. I am sure the right will be rallying its climate change denying intellectual hating supporters to do the same. But this is an argument that is too important to lose.
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A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...5 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
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- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
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The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...7 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
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New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
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Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...16 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
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It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
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New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
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This policy is likely to lead to increased emissions, https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/06/05/113361/ban-likely-to-increase-emissions.
If you want to reduce emissions, it would be better to move against coal mining in NZ, while promoting energy efficiency and conservation.
A.
Y’know, we could actually reduce and eliminate coal use and mining in NZ and stop exploring for new fossil fuel sources. It’s not an either/or.
And yes, the more we do to improve efficiency and conservation, and move as much as we can to electric power as quickly as possible all makes sense. If that means shutting Tiwai Point because we’re better off using the electricity here to displace fossil fuel import and use, that’s better than exporting that energy for a pittance in the form of shiny bars.
> Y’know, we could actually reduce and eliminate coal use and mining in NZ and stop exploring for new fossil fuel sources. It’s not an either/or. And yes, the more we do to improve efficiency and conservation, and move as much as we can to electric power as quickly as possible all makes sense.
Do you see that it’s a stretch to increase electrification, while at the same time stopping using coal and gas?
A.
Why is that? And don’t you accept that we have to do this if we want to save the environment? That it is not a nice to have?
I do not accept that the NZ Govt needs to do this, I believe it may not even be helpful.
It is only likely to be helpful if it is combined with a big diplomatic push to get other nations to follow our example. Do you see this push happening? I don’t see it but I could be missing something.
I say this because Nz’s contribution to greenhouse is very low, both as a consumer and producer. Our emissions are immaterial. We can only have a significant effect by inducing other, larger nations to change.
A.
” … a stretch to increase electrification…” – yes, it will take a bit of effort. All good things do. And that effort is economic activity that will employ a lot of people in good jobs. The sooner we start, the easier and smoother it will be with more time to iron out the inevitable wrinkles.
There’s also an awful lot of consented new renewable generation capacity that’s not yet underway, because of flat demand. That will start construction quite quickly if it looks like demand is going to start increasing.
Finally, what’s the downside to reducing the billions of dollars we send overseas to buy nasty polluting black petroproducts? That’s going to be a big economic effect of substantial electrification.
Whoosh …
Your so polite mickysavage.
I was thinking other words to describe what Antoine said, that were not so polite.
This deliberate muddy the waters, or distraction by some is just stupid at this point – so Antoine I’m just going to call you stupid, it’s the politiest I can be.
Agreed Antoine 100%
And use steel wheels with trains, and not use tyres, as one truck tyre uses 30 litres of oil to produce the tyre and a truck has from 18 to 32 tyres each truck.
Steel wheels don’t pollute or leave black tyre dust on our ice shelves and will cause rapid melting of the ice caps.
https://blog.divessi.com/plastic-particles-from-textiles-and-tyres-major-source-of-ocean-pollution-2385.html
When black carbon tyre particles reach the ice caps this is what happens.
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/06/140610-connecting-dots-dust-soot-snow-ice-climate-change-dimick/
Well done there Mikey full marks for you article.
This remark really woke me up today and thanks for that.
Mickey said;
“Get that? Things are that bad that even the Trump Administration is acknowledging that global warming is inevitable. Although the message has changed. It used to be that we should do nothing because there was no problem. Now we should do nothing because it is too late.”
Bloody hell; – we are really in the shit. We should do all we can now in the hope that it will help to change something.
“Hope lives eternal”
With 15,000 submissions so far, Shaw has done an outstanding job keeping the noise down so far.
I suggest caution in regard to the veracity of this report. Wait & see if it holds up under scrutiny. A week since it got published in the NYP and nowhere else in the global media since?? Something funny going on.
It’s so out of whack with the IPCC we have to suspect the scientific basis! Could be some Trumpist loon has gone out on a limb, producing the document as a bullshit scheme to justify booting Obama’s standards. Even the most alarmist scenarios I’ve encountered don’t go beyond +6 degrees by the end of the century and +4 seems the top end of what’s currently feasible. For this current administration, officially in denial of global warming, to issue a document predicting a +7 degree increase is surreal.
Their analysis is in farenheight which equates to 4.4 degrees celsius.
Ah, right, thanks. Makes a lot more sense!! In that case it depends what scientific advice has gone into the report. Remains significant that they seem to be tacitly conceding that the IPCC has been too cautious. I’d like to see the US media tackle Trump about this report. This could be his response: “Oh yes. It was written by a deranged person. I fired him.”
IPCC report is out now.
Not pretty reading.
Curious as to whether you think it’s not pretty reading because it sounds pretty bad, or because it’s pretty much cotton candy wrapped bullshit?
I’m not a climate scientist so I’m quite happy to take their advice and guide my life according to their very best scientific advice available in this matter.
I’m in total agreement with you there Ad.
But these guys who help compile IPCC reports are positioned between the science and government. So insofar as they take more than just the science into account, it’s not “scientific advice”. And (a very quick read of the report reveals this) they, yet again, unscientifically assume that negative emissions technology will pop up from a magic box somewhere and save our collective arse. That desperate hope being embedded into everything isn’t, surely, something an intelligent person would allow to guide their life, is it?
Well that is where you and I differ.
I believe in irrational hope.
I believe in miracles.
I believe in ghosts. And angels.
I believe in humans.
I believe in agency.
I believe in God.
I trust in that belief as the will to life itself.
For me, that will to life is within my impulse to love. Hard core Sparkle Pony.
And with all of that, and the best science available, I will do the best I can.
Obviously more to you than meets the eye! Well put, and it goes for me too. The spiritual dimension of politics is way more powerful than most commentators assume. It has swung collective destiny at crucial moments throughout history.
“Hard Core Sparkle Pony”. Still smiling.
That graph used in post is chock full with negative emission tech on the 2 degree and 1.5 degree scenarios.
And neither Labour not the Greens are out to “save the planet”. Seriously, where in the name of fuck did you get that idea from micky? (Not having a go, but hearing that kind of shit being spouted fucks me off) They are out to save an economic order in the face of environmental catastrophe. Big difference.
Meanwhile, both the Guardian and Independent reports on the IPCC “study” are parroting IPCC bullshit around the supposed feasibility of 1.5 degrees.
You want to get in the road of global warming? Then get off the pavement. Seriously. Walk on the road. Vehicles account for a good whack of emissions. Grind them to a halt. It would be a start.
But you won’t do it, and your neighbour won’t do it, and your workmate won’t do it. Too many places to be and people to see, aye? 🙄
Planet earth: killed by fly buy and drive by.
neither Labour not the Greens are out to “save the planet”
Quibble: Ardern’s sincere, I reckon. You’re probably correct re the rest of the LP. And you’re wrong about the Greens. However I suspect you really mean those in parliament are hamstrung by Labour & I agree they are, so I understand your perception (that democracy in general, and MMP in particular, is a severe handicap on their intent to save the planet).
So what realistic and effective measures have any of those people suggested? They certainly haven’t enacted anything even remotely close to worthwhile. Which y’know, given the situation we’re in, and assuming they’re actually cognisant of the situation we’e in, suggests they’re all grossly inept and/or deeply stupid..
Last I heard the process James has been conducting in recent months is due to release its policy output soon. I expect the govt to then prioritise the legislation. The reason the process has taken months is to secure both full public and business input via consultation in many meetings throughout the country.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2018/10/climate-change-minister-james-shaw-wants-everyone-equally-unhappy-with-zero-carbon-bill.html
The process is unprecedented because the scale of the challenge is likewise. Russel Norman doesn’t get it. He sees dinosaur Nats holding everyone hostage. They could prove him right, but I suspect they’ll play follow the leader. Which politician wants to create a future in which they are on the wrong side of history, and it gets more obvious to everyone that they screwed up? A cross-party consensus is essential.
Lets cut the crap Dennis. Either we cut fossil down to zero as fast as we can (10% – 15% per year), or we don’t. If we don’t, we burn/bake or whatever cooking analogy’s your fancy.
Consultation is just a piece of bullshit these clowns are indulging in because they don’t want to make the hard calls, or are too stupid to realise hard calls need to be made.
If they were serious (they’re not) they would be consulting on how to make those cuts – not on what should/shouldn’t be cut and not what sleight of hand might work (at least on paper) by way of carbon credits, carbon sinks, off sets etc.
🙄 I’ve had your stance most of my life so I’m not going to argue against it. The problem with the learning curve of practical politics is summarised in the old saying that `politics is the art of the possible’.
So doesn’t matter how much we rail against human nature, to get stuff done we have to work with them on the basis of where their heads are currently at. I know it’s tedious & exasperating. I’m not going to say TINA, but I haven’t been able to find one!
I can’t see how my thoughts can be contrary to human nature – what with me being human and all. Institutional stupidity and human nature aren’t one and the same.
As for the people occupying influential positions within our institutions and where their heads are at. If we work to their timetable and their mindset, then we simply echo the institutional stupidity they embody and continue with 30 odd years of failure.
Why do that?
All social change and movement has come from them feeling so scared of consequences that will be landed on them by us, that they accommodate a shift. And in this case, there’s another factor
Physics is going to be landing hard on me and on you, and on them. If you’re not bloody scared of the likely consequences, and so willing to shift your thinking, attitude and action in a way that pushes those institutions and the idiots that inhabit and run them (over a cliff if need be), then you haven’t been paying attention.
The consequences are in the pipeline anyway. The time for urgent response was around the change of millennium. Democratic process does not work any faster if you push on it. Hassling MPs? Waste of time for me, but I have no problem if others try that.
Garner made much this morning out of Ardern not having a date for implementing the cc legislation. I agree she ought to have been able to front with one, but she’s Labour. Why would anyone expect a Labour leader to be on the ball??
Funny a enough I was talking to couple fisho’s and couple of crabbers during a fire patrol (show the flag) on weekend at the pub and they and a lot of others have notice a big spike in the water temperature for this time of the yr compared to the last 3-4 years for the same period. Even the fresh water river which doesn’t flow during the dry the water temperature has gone through the roof, with the red claw (fresh water crayfish), fresh water fish and resident sapping handbags are going nuts, just like their salt water cousins atm.
Even the soil moisture content is getting worst for this time of the yr. Yesterday afternoon around half one I counted about 4 cars on road and normally I would see about 2doz plus on road, not sure if it was due to the big race being on or it was too bloody to drive to anywhere yesterday.
It’s getting crazy IRT weather and temperatures atm. Might become like the Arab’s and don’t work between 10am and 2pm 😎
“Shock horror, there was no consultation, it will cost lots of jobs and it is one of the reasons that business confidence is plummeting”
Your sarcasm is quite disturbing. This is a good policy, but no matter how good policy is, there needs to be consultation in a democratic society.
It would not have been too hard to either announce this as a policy pre-election, or as a working group so that all those affected had a chance to absorb it before it became law. There is genuine anger at this process which could should have been dealt with in a more caring way.
As we have found out in the past 12 months every incoming government plays the silly game of using the last government as a precedent for their own dodgy behavior. The next time the Tory’s come in and impose their bullshit on us without consultation they will conveniently use this as their precedent.
Why does there need to be consultation? If we are facing some sort of medical epidemic should we talk to everyone before taking action? Besides it was in Labour’s and the Green’s election policies.
It is quite timid. It does not stop existing rights being exercised. It only stops the possibility of permits, that is permission, being granted to explore in the future.
Why does there need to be consultation?
Because we don’t elect dictatorships. Forget about the policy for a second, and think about the principle.
National Government is elected in 2036 with a broad policy to tighten up on government expenditure. Three weeks after they are elected Foot and Mouth breaks out killing our export base. With reduced Government revenue the Government has to make some important decisions. So without consultation it reduces all benefits by 33%.
This is a terrible way to govern regardless of who is in power.
Yes Enough is Enough
I agree; – it is irresponsible of government to leave that “sunset clause” in there cutting 33% of all benefits after 2036.
Shocking to leave our kids to face this.
Did you read Labour’s policy in the area? Or the Greens? Presented at the last election campaign? That is all the consultation that is required.
“Your sarcasm is quite disturbing. This is a good policy, but no matter how good policy is, there needs to be consultation in a democratic society.”
I am not so sure this is good policy, leaving our oil in the ground is not going to make a jot of difference to how much petrol we burn, all our petrol is imported and our consumption wont change until there is an affordable alternative.
Free electric public transport is my suggestion.
Oh come on, EiE… (@ 8.1) The issue was already well-known (our need to stop burning fossil fuels); the new PM had already announced that Climate Change was our new Nuclear moment… Such a big surprise?
No – the same grumps who deny Climate Change united with the Oil Industry people to do a big public beat-up on how terrible this “sudden” and “irrational” (based on the tenuous argument that we will import the same thing from overseas at worse carbon print… largely utter drivvle) ..
And here you are trying to push that BS even further. Sorry, it is uphill now.
What chance if this guy gets his way http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/107678959/brazils-farright-candidate-jair-bolsonaro-holds-big-lead-in-presidential-election
It seems the more urgent addressing climate change becomes, the more the world is turning to right wing stupid.
China can out do our emissions in one day. What we do dosent matter
So give up now you reckon? And all other nations with similar outputs, stop now? Just rely on Trump and China to both make really major change while we sit back?
The us and china need to make the change to have any meaningful impact. End of the day, it’s the poor who are going to get hurt by all the changes here in NZ, where our cost of living is already rediciolus.
Your comment is wrong on so many levels it is difficult to know where to start.
Firstly, China’s GHG emissions have basically flatlined for the past 5 years. Yes they actually grew by around 1.4% last year (much below the anticipated rate by those studying world wide GHG emissions) as China has been in the process of increasing growth in energy intensive industries. However, while these industries have shown increased growth, China has also been working hard at moving to renewable energies.
Which leads to the second point.
China is the world’s leading country in electricity production from renewable energy sources, with over double the generation of the second-ranking country, the United States. In 2013 the country had a total capacity of 378 GW of renewable power, mainly from hydroelectric and wind power. China’s renewable energy sector is growing faster than its fossil fuels and nuclear power capacity.
Thirdly, the reason China is such a massive consumer of energy (and hence emitter of GHGs) is because many other countries – and to a large extent NZ – have exported their production capacity to China. So what we used to produce in NZ, and would have emitted large amounts of GHGs in NZ to do so, is now being done on our behalf in China. The goods produced are still consumed in NZ and GHG’s are emitted in transporting them here as well.
So we should not be pointing the finger at China, because much of their emissions are not for consumption by Chinese people but for the whole world – NZ included.
We should be following the lead set by China, and working as hard as they are, on moving towards a more sustainable energy source.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-chinas-co2-emissions-grew-less-expected-2017
Sounds good in theory, until you visualise what it actually is
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=33092
People need to wake up. A decrease in world population is needed. Anything else is just nonsense.
So you’re in agreement with reducing the earths population to around 500, 000,000 ?… I see…
You must be one of the ‘chosen ones’… to live.
Tell you what buddy , … don’t come try preachin that shit to me , boy…. or my family.
#13 – Georgia Guide Stones – Episode 13 – YouTube
Listening to Jacinda on the AM show with Duncan Garner Newshub this morning at 6.45 am I felt that jacinda has no idea what to do regarding lowering carbon emissions now, as she is still using the “we need to stop increasing carbon emissions by 2050!!!!!!!!!
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows.html
What the hell is she saying, as we are now entering the stage where the climate change effects are being impacted on our businesses and horticulture and farming right now.
Jacinda you need to take dirty diesel polluting trucks off the roads and use cleaner buring rail freight as your way forward.
We have requested this of your “transformative Government” in our letters and emails sent from CEAC to you since November 2017 after you announced “Climate change is your Generation’s nuclear moment” after winning the election.
If you do not switch to cleaner ‘freight transport’ – you are now failing in your duty to save our future citizens from disasters as climate change, increases.
So Jacinda, now the clock is ticking so press the emergency button now please and act.