Faith representatives deliver climate change letter to MPs

Backed by more than 150 individuals and groups, the open letter delivered last week urged those in power to meet New Zealand’s responsibilities on emissions and support communities already facing the impacts of climate change.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Mena Antonio said the letter reflects Caritas’ solidarity with those most affected, including Pacific peoples, Indigenous communities, survivors of the recent flooding in Nepal and future generations.

“We can’t afford not to act,” she said. “It is a moral and ethical stand, but it also makes sense to safeguard New Zealand’s international standing and legal obligations.”

Msgr Gerard Burns from Wellington Archdiocese also spoke at the event at Parliament on an occasion which was organised by the Religious Diversity Centre (RDC).

At Parliament, the letter was delivered to MPs Deborah Russell and Francisco Hernandez by RDC trustee Dr Mary Eastham.

The letter noted that New Zealand’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions are among the highest of all OECD countries, even though this country’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are relatively low because of its small population.

“We are bound morally, legally and reputationally to play our part in slowing the rate of global climate warming,” the letter stated.

“However, New Zealand may not be on track to meet its first or second Nationally Determined Contribution (of net GHG emissions reductions) under the Paris Agreement and the Government has announced that it will not purchase offshore emissions credits to meet any emissions gap.

“Hence, we will probably breach our international obligations,” the letter warned.

“Therefore, we call on all candidates and political parties to take a thoughtful and responsible approach to climate change and environmental policies, placing the health of all people, communities, future generations and earth itself at the heart of their governance, policy and planning decisions in this era of increasingly unpredictable and damaging climate events.”

Among others who endorsed the letter was Palmerston North Bishop Emeritus Peter Cullinane.

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We joined faith leaders and… (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand/Facebook)

RDC Climate Change Open Letter