Big opportunity for new normal
Yesterdaywould have been another day of climate strikes around the country. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join us to continue our call for climate justice.
Obviously, in recent times our world has changed and we are no longer able to come together for now. But that doesn’t mean our fight shouldn’t continue.
We have the biggest chance in recent times to change for the better – to restructure our economy, to invest in sustainable infrastructure and to progress towards amore sustainable and equitable future.
As we go back to pre-lockdown life, we need to focus on what we should keep and whatwe should never go back to.
We can’t go back to business as usual. The normal functionality of businesses is what has contributed to our situation in the first place.
We have been shown what is possible when it is necessary, such as with the response to Covid-19. Now we need to see these types of responses executed with the purpose of improving our current climate state.
Now is the perfect time to invest in zero-carbon infrastructure to ensure a just transition aswell as create much-needed jobs.
Our Covid-19 response has been based on people. Investing in climate-friendly solutions will ensure people, our future wha¯nau, are looked after for years to come.
Young people will have to pay the financial debt the state gains today. The least that can be done is making sure the money is going to projects that will give us a better future.
Examples could include forestry restoration projects, improvements to recycling methods, and carbonneutral infrastructure.
School Strike For Climate Manawatu¯ is calling for the Palmerston North City Council, the Horizons Regional Council and our Government to keep these thoughts in mind when making decisions.
We can use this window of opportunity to become world leaders in the fight against climate change, as we proudly stand as world leaders against Covid-19.
New Zealand knows how to stand up forwhat is right. We have demonstrated this throughout history and we should continue to do so. Let’s unite to create a new normal, one that is sustainable and takes us towards net-zero emissions.
We are counting on our decisionmakers tomake this possible. Please don’t let us down.