Let climate warning bells echo on

Symbolism isn’t a substitute for substance, but it is part of the weaponry to deploy in the climate crisis. The Government’s declaration of a climate emergency and commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 takes its cue from the country’s experience of the coronavirus pandemic.

It draws a line between what was discussed before and what is relevant now we are smack in the middle of this global problem. It says the bottom line is we have to deal with the reality of now rather than argue about how we got here.

One of the key achievements of New Zealand’s pandemic response was the early setting of clear, defined boundaries. Unfolding events and decisions meant details later got messy, approaches had to be revised and improved. But the basic goals were imbedded and understood.

Other countries started with contradictory and confused messaging and found it hard to get on the front foot. Early public concern and goodwill was squandered. In some places people got used to unacceptable things, such as alarmingly high infection rates and death tolls.

Still, the pandemic has created an environment where new approaches can’t just be dismissed as impossible because they’re different. With climate, as with the pandemic, the Government has to set the example and framework for all to follow.

The Government plans to have the public sector carbon neutral by 2025. Making public transport electric at local government level is a key goal. That needs to feed into greater uptake of electric vehicles among the public and expansion of charging facilities.

Intense interest overseas in new tech, climate projects and policy directives which emphasise green concerns should help reinforce our approach. The US under President-elect Joe Biden, France, Britain, South Korea and Japan have committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Denmark plans to end North Sea oil exploration and shut down its oil industry by 2050. Britain has a new goal of cutting 1990-level emissions by 68 per cent by 2030.

The Biden administration plans to advance climate goals in all government agencies and focus on what dealing with the crisis will bring for the economy.

The strong push from the US and Britain, which hosts a summit next weekend, and the UN climate conference in Glasgow next year, already appear to be having an impact on Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison reportedly plans to abandon a policy of using Kyoto Protocol carryover credits to achieve its emission reduction targets.

Sometimes essential issues have to be presented in stark terms. Having now rung the bells and lit the war beacons for a planet in peril, our Government has to follow through. —