this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2023
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I don't think new Zealand should worry about our emissions. Us being world leaders in emission reduction doesn't change anything. We make up less than 0.1% of the emissions.
As long as the China and the USA continue their pollution we are doomed.
Emissions per captia is a dumb metric. Having 1 billion people doesn't allow you to pollute more than other countries.
Two wrongs don't make a right; we need to look at our own house before we can start throwing stones. Everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction in this boat.
Plus some other analogies.
The fact is we're running out of time on this and the ones who suffer will be future generations. Time to get our collective head out of our arse.
I recommend the book Ministry for the Future for a blow by blow account of what the geopolitics will be across the next 5 decades.
Its a competitive world and I don't want to make things harder for new Zealanders who are already struggling when there's a single country responsible for 30% of global emissions who isn't slowing down nor do they plan to even start slowing down for another 7 years. One country polluting more than the next 6 biggest countries combined.
Why should nz be punished? We have kept our population at a sustainable level we are making efforts to curb emissions. We could cut emissions to 0 and nothing would change.
I would like to see nz farmers have more regulations but I don't consider carbon emissions as that important. It would be fine if they pass but it would also be fine if they dont pass. I would rather see regulations for them to stop polluting waterways and something done about the local cost of meat and veggies.
We're all 'being punished' by climate change and ecosystem collapse and it's gonna get worse before (if) it gets better. 'Whataboutism' and pointing fingers gets us nowhere.
Unfortunately the worst effects will absolutely hit the poorest and those least responsible for causing the problem first and hardest. It's inherently unjust, but EVERYONE needs to be fully on board, not just 'making efforts' to curb emissions. Sacrifices will be made. We have to choose now which ones to make, or those choices will be made for us by the environment.
A small social democracy like NZ is well positioned to become a world leader/model for how change can be implemented. Retooling our economy away from primary industries is an opportunity.
Retooling our economy how? We have an education, cost of living and skilled labour crisis. Now is not a good time to be damaging Reliable primary industry.