Climate change in New Zealand has at last made it to the top of the political agenda. In no small part because of the Stern Report, a recent economic analysis that concludes that not tackling the issue quickly will be more harmful to economic growth than ignoring it.

That the model of economic growth is still the central concern will be disappointing to many, however in making it to to the top of the agenda work on solutions will likely highlight the sustainability problems associated with exponential growth, and force a rethink on that topic too.

The ruling NZ Labour party, pushing its new message at it's annual conference, is now of the opinion that taking real action on climate change will help preserve the unique quality of life enjoyed by New Zealanders. This position will signal a contest between political parties to develop relevant climate change policy.

Support is coming from both individuals and the private sector. A recent nationwide online survey of 330 business decision makers conducted by the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development shows 38% believe climate change through global warming is a "problem now" and 45% say it is "urgent and immediate". Only 7% say it is not really a problem at all, and 8% say it is a problem for the future.

Decision makers backed policies to provide Government cash incentives to boost sales of fuel efficient, low emission vehicles (57% support); insulate homes (53%); install solar power in homes (67%). They also overwhelmingly support incentives to plant more forests and produce energy from renewable sources, like wind power.

A recent NZ High Court ruling that climate change factors can be legally considered, during Greenpeace’s upcoming appeal against the proposed Marsden B coal fired power station, has added legitimacy to the issue.

Quality of life enhancement and climate change management have become a central policy of Britain's poll-leading Conservative Party. Sustainability has moved onto the mainstream political agenda in the United States, Australian states, and Europe.

New Zealand's oposition National Party is now also moving in this area. Labour and National both now support a new Kyoto type Treaty for beyond 2012, a cap and trade regime for trading emission credits and joining the Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development.

New Zealand's first Business Budget Summit, involving nearly 100 senior executives and hosted by the NZ Minister of Finance, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, will spend a day trying to bring a long term focus to policy development, but starting with measures it believes the Government should drive into next year's Budget that have a longer term focus.

The three year NZ election cycle has resulted in a short term focus for policy making in New Zealand. Climate change issues demand a longer term focus - New Zealand is finally stepping up with political will.

There is money available for your initiatives out there - here we highlight two sources:

The Global Education Fund (GEF) provides funding for small projects to develop awareness and understanding of global perspectives among New Zealanders, and to encourage them to become responsible global citizens.

Projects must be educational. Grants are between $2,000 and $15,000 (ex GST). GEF is a contestable pool of money allocated through New Zealand\'s International Aid & Development agency, NZAID Nga Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti and administered by the Development Resource Centre. There are two funding rounds per year. The next closing date for applications is 31 October 2006 For more information on who is eligible and how to apply, go to:
http://www.globaled.org.nz/gecnews/2006/October/UpdatesOct2006.htm#GEF


St Andrews Prize for the Environment

This is an international forum for practical sustainable environmental ideas. The prize ($50,000 USD for the winner and two runners up $10,000 USD) is to promote practical solutions to an environmental problem, with particular interest in projects that can be replicated in several regions, thereby increasing overall effectiveness and help to those that most need it. Prize is open to entrants from anywhere in the world. First stage submissions are required by 31st October 2006. Find out more www.thestandrewsprize.com

It was an idyllic scene. The clear azure waves lapped lazily on the gleaming white sand of a coral beach. A hammock slung between two coconut palms moved gently in time to the sound of the ukulele-playing occupant, who was wearing only a brightly coloured sarong and a straw hat over his face.

A red-faced pot-bellied tourist waddled into view and sank gratefully into the cool shade under the trees, resting his back against the rough bark. He allowed the sights and sounds of the peaceful paradise to wash over him before he spoke.

“Well this is the life! Mind you, if you got off your butt and did some work around here you could maybe catch some fish, earn yourself a bit of cash”

The hat tipped up and one eye opened.
“Yeah? And how would that help me?”

The tourist snorted.
“Money mate, money! You could buy yourself a decent boat with an outboard motor. Then you could go further out, catch more fish”

“Hmm sounds interesting, but why do I want more fish?”

Again, the tourist dissolved into incredulous laughter.
“Mate! More fish is more dollars! Buy yourself a Ute, drive around the island and take the fish to market!”

The hammock wobbled dangerously as its occupant propped himself up on one elbow and leaned forward.
“Yeah? A Ute ay? That would be alright”

The tourist wiped his sweaty palms on his lurid shirt as he warmed to the subject.
“Well that’s just the beginning see? A Ute to start with, then something a bit more styley as the money rolls in. You’d have to work for it of course, catch more fish maybe get a second boat, but then you’re talking flash two-storey house, indoor lavvy, double garage…”

By this time the man had swung his legs over the side of the hammock, tipped his hat back and was listening to the tourist with a keen interest.

“And then what?”

“Then what? Well, once you’ve worked your butt off, got yourself a house, fancy car, a few boats, you could afford a holiday couldn’t you? Get on a plane and fly away to a tropical island where the azure waves lap lazily against the white sand of a coral beach. Find yourself a coupla coconut trees, sling up a hammock, grab a ukulele, lean back and enjoy the good life….”

The hammock resumed its rhythmic rocking as the man once again flopped back.

“Yeah right”

Peak oil is the point in time when extraction of oil from the earth reaches its highest point and then begins to decline. We won't be able to say with certainty when we have reached peak oil until after the fact. Many experts say we have already reached the peak. Others say not yet, but within the next few years.

What does Peak Oil herald? It heralds the end of cheap energy. In just a short 100 year period our civilization has built a high reliance on cheap, abundant energy. Human activity in New Zealand is overwhelmingly dependent on abundant and cheap energy, most of which is oil.

It will be necessary to develop a plan of action that will utilise a percentage of the existing oil to develop complementary energy sources that eventually take over the role of oil when it is finally depleated.

Humans have the ability to make choices.We can evaluate a situation, and based on what we observe, make decisions in our own self interest. Make no mistake, we all make decisions based on self interest. It is in our self interest to become aware of the global energy situation right now. After all, it is OUR children that will inherit the future.