Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Youth Join Call to Confront Critical Risks
Youth Join Call to Confront Critical Risks
Youth organisation Generation Zero has joined with over 100 prominent New Zealanders in demanding that Parliament assess and respond to “unprecedented threats to our collective security” arising from the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
The ‘risk appeal’, which calls for a ‘dispassionate’ assessment of five key risks, was launched in Dunedin today. Over 100 people attended the event, where engineering, business and science experts all warned that the threat of climate change and the challenge of limited oil, coal and gas resources pose an immense risk to New Zealand society.
Generation Zero spokesperson, Louis Chambers, told the crowd: “Young people are the canaries in the coal mine. Our generation is acutely aware of the need for action because we’ll spend our whole lives cleaning up this mess.”
The event was attended by representatives of Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Generation Zero members handed politicians photos showcasing New Zealanders' visions for how the country could move beyond fossil fuels. The photos had been gathered from towns throughout the country as part of the launch of Generation Zero’s 100% Possible campaign,
Chambers says: “We wanted to show that our generation is ready to get going, and we’re asking all political parties to join us in building the infrastructure necessary to shift New Zealand beyond fossil fuels.”
Chambers: “This won’t be easy, but preparing for the future is everyone’s business, and we have to work together to face up to these risks.”
The organisers will seek further signatures for the risk appeal before presenting the appeal to political parties in a few months’ time.
ENDS
About Generation Zero and
100% Possible
Generation Zero is an independent
youth organisation seeking to catalyse action on climate
change and work towards creating a zero carbon Aotearoa. For
more information see:
http://generationzero.org.nz
www.facebook.com/GenerationZero
100%
Possible is a new joint campaign by Generation Zero and 350
Aotearoa, and supported by WWF, focusing on the realistic
options available to start moving New Zealand beyond fossil
fuels. For more information see:
http://100percentpossible.org.nz
Gordon Campbell: On What’s Wrong With The Treaty Principles Bill
Mana Mokopuna: Children And Young People Share Vital Insights On Healing From Family Violence And Sexual Violence In New Report
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
