If people are serious about reversing global warming trends and reducing our ecological footprint, voting in the New Zealand Local Government election is a no brainer. In the next 3 years our local elected representatives for local and regional government will make decisions that either reinforce how we are trashing the planet or actively work towards averting that 2 degree global warming threshold that pushes all humanity and all other species towards extinction.
Media stories on environmental issues, climate change and anticipated global warming are hard to miss, so many people are very aware of what is to come. People react differently to the news that their lifestyle is about to change – and that it probably won’t be a good thing. Some are proactively changing their ways by things such as reducing car use, reconsidering purchases and eliminating waste in all forms. Other people have a different reaction – helplessness, confusion, “its too big for me to handle”, “what can I do on my own?”, “I’m OK mate!” And a minority of people have the “Yeah right” attitude and don’t think things will change. After all, New Zealand has been cushioned against global warming effects so far, but there are places in the world already suffering what is in our future. Just ask Australia, China, Sudan, The Maldives and Tuvalu about that.
So what has this got to do with Local and Regional Government? Your Councils will decide on key issues like public transport, roading development, landfill and toxic waste, water conservation and management, biodiversity and reserves, coastal development (in some cases), stormwater management and civil defense. All issues impacted by global warming. They will also have an impact on how communities develop and in the future, the strength and resilience of communities will be the mortar that holds us together through the tough times. Just ask Northland, Gisborne and Matata about that.
And what if all Local Authorities worked collaboratively together to influence national government on issues of global warming? After all, they represent us. Many Councils have signed up to be Cities of Peace and Nuclear Free, why not sign up to Restoring Life on Earth principles?
Last month was the 114th Anniversary of Womens Suffrage in NZ. The women (and a few men) who put themselves on the line so women could have a vote would be horrified by voter apathy displayed by women and men today. Lets honour their legacy.
So if you care about the place you live, play, learn, grow and work in, or places in the world where others live, open that envelope now, read your choices carefully, contact candidates if you need to – and VOTE SMART FOR THE PLANET!
