Right now the government is consulting on the second emissions reduction plan laying out their approach to reduce climate pollution in New Zealand during the period 2026 – 2030. Our diocese is joining with the Don’t Subsidise Pollution campaign alongside the Anglican Diocese of Wellington to gather as many submissions as we can to call for meaningful climate action. Subsidising climate pollution in a climate crisis doesn’t make sense. With the right type of government support, the technology is there for industries currently receiving free credits like steel, concrete and aluminium to transition to low carbon and zero carbon options.

For example – in 2023, NZ Steel, a company with a large footprint, with co-funding from the government finally started preparations to switch from burning coal to an electric arc furnace. This single change will result in 800,000 tonnes of carbon no longer being emitted each year – the same as permanently removing 300,000 passenger cars off the road.

If enough of us call for a plan to end free carbon credits to be added in through this submission process, we can solidify ending free carbon credits and supporting our industries into green technology as a key climate policy that the government can’t ignore.

If you only have 10 minutes – write a quick submission right now using this easy online template: bit.ly/submit2endfreecredits and share your thoughts. It can be short, simple and personal. 

Here is a 2 pager background about the campaign and call to action.

Get your church involved! Check out the Don’t Subsidise Pollution campaign website for more information and a range of resources to collect submissions in your ministry unit.

Submissions close on Wednesday 21 August 2024.

Tags: news, sustainability