Mayors ask for change in climate

A group of 39 mayors from across the country are calling for central government to take more action on climate change.

The mayors – about half of the country’s roster of 78 – made a declaration on climate change at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference last night.

They called for central government to develop an ambitious plan to transition New Zealand into a low-carbon economy; one that was ready to for the dangers climate change may present, such as rising sea levels and intense storms.

Members of the group include Auckland’s Phil Goff, Wellington’s Justin Lester, Christchurch’s Lianne Dalziel, Dunedin’s Dave Cull, New Plymouth’s Neil Holdom, as well as a wide spread of rural and regional leaders.

With or without central government help, the group planned to take ambitious action themselves.

‘‘There is clear and compelling evidence for the need to act now on climate change and to adopt a precautionary approach because of the irreversible nature and scale of risks involved.

‘‘Broad-based climate policies should enable all organisations and individuals to do all they feasibly can to reduce emissions and enhance resilience.’’

A group of 29 mayors made a similar call in 2015..

New Zealand is a signatory of the Paris Climate Agreement, and has agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent before 2030.

However, the Government has been repeatedly criticised for failing to include the agricultural sector in the country’s Emissions Trading Scheme.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw said central government needed to do more to help local authorities, which were often left with the bill after the ‘‘hundredyear storms’’ that now seemed to show up every year.

‘‘Central government are quick to jump in when there’s an earthquake but are much less responsive about climate-related events.

‘‘A lot of mayors – although nominally independent – are National Party aligned. My sense is they are still deeply frustrated with the Government’s lack of leadership over climate change.’’

Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett said she agreed that their could be further cooperation, but work was being done.

‘‘I agree that central and local government will need to work together on how best to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.’’