CLIMATE CHANGE
CHRISTCHURCH RESIDENTS CALL FOR FASTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Christchurch residents have told their council they want action on climate change faster than the government has proposed.
While the government's Zero Carbon Bill sets the target of New Zealand having net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Christchurch City Council is aiming to reach that goal - excluding methane - by 2045, said council head of strategic policy Emma Davis.
"The feedback we have received from our residents showed they want us to take a more ambitious approach," Ms Davis said.
Last week, the council agreed to a plan that includes an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
A goal of cutting methane emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and by 50 percent by 2045 was set.
"We were among the first councils in New Zealand to declare a climate and ecological emergency and it is important that we back that declaration up by showing our strong commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Ms Davis said.
In 2016 to 2017, Christchurch emitted about 2.5 million gross tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. That equates to 6.6 tonnes per person, which is lower than estimates for Auckland of 7.9 tonnes and for Dunedin of 11 tonnes, but more than Wellington's average of 5.7 tonnes per person.
Transport is the biggest contributor to Christchurch's carbon emissions, making up 53 percent of the total.
Ms Davis said everyone in the community would need to make changes to achieve the 2045 carbon neutral target.
The council hopes to save $1 million a year on electricity and to reduce its carbon emissions after LED street lights are installed throughout the city.
Work to convert all of Christchurch's 38,000 street lights to LED lights is almost halfway through and is expected to be completed by June 2021. This is being funded largely by the New Zealand Transport Agency
Christchurch city councillor Deon Swiggs said once they LED lights were all installed, the city's electricity bill would be slashed and maintenance would drop by about $600,000 a year.
LED lights used less energy and reduced carbon emissions, while making streets safer by lighting them more brightly, Mr Swiggs said.
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.5% Yes
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8.2% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
Food and product recalls
These items have been recalled during the last month. If you have any of these items at home, click on the title to see the details:
Product recalls
Avanti, Malvern Star & Raleigh bicycles
Yoto Kids Speaker
Anko Kids Pyjamas
Battery drill chainsaw attachment
Industrial pedestal misting fan
Yamaha adaptor
Zero Tower safety harness
Naturacoco moisturising cream
Thule child bike seat
Food recalls:
Maketū pies mussel pie
The Catering Studio cottage pie
Matakana Smokehouse gravlax/salmon
Our Fruit Box fruit juices
ProLife Foods value packs - nuts, raisins.
YY Dumplings & Fu Yuan ready-to-eat meat products
Waiheke Herbs italian herb spread
We hope this message was helpful in keeping your household safe.