Opinion – It is essential to foster an open and informed dialogue about the environment
Opinion
As a political party that takes a pragmatic view on the issue of climate change, DemocracyNZ believes it is essential to foster an open and informed dialogue about the environment and its impact on our lives.
While some voices may insist that we are in the midst of a climate crisis, our stance is that we should be climate concerned, not panicked. Let us explore our perspective on this matter and how it relates to charting a sustainable path for New Zealand.
First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that the climate has always been subject to change. Throughout Earth's history, there have been periods of warming and cooling,often influenced by natural factors beyond human control. While there is evidence of recent temperature increases, attributing them solely to human activity is a complex matter. DemocracyNZ believes that the scientific consensus surrounding climate change should be subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate to ensure that we make informed decisions - evidence over ideology.
It's essential to recognise that our country's total emissions account for a mere 0.17%1 of the world's total - this fact underscores the importance of perspective in our climate discussions. New Zealand's farmers are the world's most efficient, and their dedication, innovation, and hard work have made our agricultural sector a global leader. Our reputation for producing high-quality agricultural goods is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our farmers, so rather than burdening them with additional taxes, let's empower them to maintain their high standards and meet the growing demand for our produce both at home and abroad.
It is important to remember that farming practices have evolved significantly, with many embracing sustainable and environmentally responsible methods. Instead of punitive measures, we should support our farmers in adopting sustainable practices and incentivise eco-friendly farming.
Another controversial opinion on the topic of climate change is that DemocracyNZ does not believe switching to electric vehicles is our saving grace. We must be sensible about this shift in the context of New Zealand. Presently, we lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to power a country full of electric vehicles efficiently, this will result in China opening up another power station powered by carbon fuel, shifting the emissions from tailpipes to power stations - and that’s before looking into the environmental impact and lifespan of EV batteries. Instead we need to look at reopening Marsden Point Oil Refinery and becoming self-sufficient in Energy.
The idea of reopening Marsden Point is worth serious consideration. It would provide New Zealand with greater energy independence, reduce our reliance on foreign oil imports, and create jobs for Kiwis. This, in turn, would enhance our economic stability and energy security. We must also remember that it wasn’t EVs that came to our rescue following Cyclone Gabrielle - we still have a need for carbon fueled vehicles.
DemocracyNZ believes that NZs policies should be tailored to our specific circumstances.
“One-size-fits-all” approaches should not be applied worldwide as every country is unique, and we advocate for crafting policies that are both effective and realistic for our needs. We also believe that environmental responsibility begins at home. We as consumers can choose to vote with our money, and support businesses that are doing the right thing in terms of sustainability. It’s also important that we reduce, reuse, and only then recycle. The rubbish dump should be our very last resort!
In conclusion, DemocracyNZ takes a pragmatic approach to climate concerns - emphasising being climate concerned, not panicked. While we do not subscribe to the notion of a climate crisis, we do recognize the importance of addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainability.
Let us work together to protect our environment, promote responsible stewardship, and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for New Zealand—a future that respects our farmers, acknowledges our minimal global emissions, and positions us as leaders in sustainable agriculture and energy solutions.
* Dr Martin Langford is the Democracy NZ Candidate for Napier. Candidates in the Napier electorate have the opportunity to submit an opinion piece for publication. All views expressed here are Martin Langford’s and not those of Hawke’s Bay App.
