Saving the planet

The recent School

Strike for Climate

(SS4C) in Kaitaia highlighted the increasing concern young people have for their future.

It is quite obvious, at least to the people who understand the difference between climate and weather, that Earth’s climate is changing in ways that threaten the future viability of civilisation as we know it.

Yes, climate has always changed, driven by various natural forces and disruptive events, but about 12,000 years ago Earth entered a benevolent phase, leaving behind an Ice Age and entering the Holocene, a period of relative stability. At the start of this period the temperature was about 4C cooler than the average of the 20th century. When the Treaty of Waitangi was signed global temperatures were .8C cooler than present, and CO2 levels were 280ppm.

Industry and population have skyrocketed since then. China used more cement between 2011 and 2013 than the USA used in the entire 20th century. CO2 levels have surpassed 415ppm, and the projected global average temperature increase is tracking more in the 5-plus to 8C rather than the ambitious 1.5C the revised Paris agreement seeks. At just .8C-plus we are seeing massive changes, especially in the poles. How Earth could sustain civilisation at 3C or 5C is unimaginable.

To keep the temperature increase to ‘just’ 1.5C we need to halve our emissions by 2030 and be nett neutral by 2050. As I mentioned in my last column, that means a 6.6 per cent year on year decrease. New Zealand’s emissions increased last year by 2.2 per cent. That’s 8.8 per cent in the wrong direction.

So it’s very timely that the Zero Carbon Bill has been introduced into Parliament, but although the Bill would set greenhouse gas reduction targets into law, and require that future governments continue these efforts, there is no legal compulsion. It can be ignored at will.

Tut-tutting ain’t going to save the planet. Legally binding targets are essential, and it should be the role of the Climate Commission, independent of government (political) interference, to set these (enforceable) targets and regularly report on their progress.

You have until July 16 to make a submission, and I urge anyone who is concerned about their children’s future to research this issue and make one.

If you happen to be one of those children, especially the ones motivated enough to protest on the SS4C march, then realise this is an opportunity for you to get your point of view directly across to your parliamentary decision-makers. It will be the youngest who are the most affected. Demand the most ambitious, innovative and effective policies that will give you (and the rest of the natural world) the best chance to thrive in the 21st century.

Here’s the link: www.parliament.nz/ en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/ 52SCEN_SCF_BILL_87861/climatechange-response-zero-carbonamendment-bill?fbclid=IwAR32FMLMYYNTUBAhatILaTsXVlRJJRZ2DldDaXSYnJCQn152JBfVQi1Bbg

■ mikef@nrc.govt.nz

"At just .8C-plus increase we are seeing massive changes, especially in the poles. How Earth could sustain civilisation at 3C or 5C is unimaginable."