Generation Zero calls on new parliament to take action

Generation Zero calls on new parliament to heed call of business leaders, take bold action on climate change

Delegates attending the 10th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference in Auckland passed a unanimous resolution yesterday supporting the concepts outlined in the Zero Carbon Act, proposed by youth climate change campaigners Generation Zero.

Generation Zero are calling on the new Parliament to pass their Zero Carbon Act for meaningful action on climate change, after a surge of support from the business community.

There was overwhelming support from business leaders at the conference for certainty over climate policy.

“It’s fantastic that the business community is starting to get on board with our proposed climate law, and they will be communicating this resolution to political leaders,” says Miss McLaren.

“What we need now is for our new Parliament – whatever shape it may take – to heed this call by passing the Zero Carbon Act into law. ”

“Overseas experience shows that cross-party support is vital to the success of a climate law like this.”

“The Zero Carbon Act will commit New Zealand to a zero carbon future and ensure we have a plan that lasts beyond election cycles.”

Despite the election furore, the Zero Carbon Act has steadily gained support, with over 12,000 signatures on a petition asking the new parliament to pass the Zero Carbon Act. Most major political parties have also indicated support for some of the key elements of the act.

The Zero Carbon Act also has support from environmental groups such as Forest & Bird and WWF-New Zealand, 14 leading New Zealand aid agencies including Oxfam NZ, businesses such as Z Energy, and youth political parties including the Young Nats, Young Labour, Young Greens and Young Māori Party.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Jan Wright’s final report also recommended the policy framework of the Zero Carbon Act, and received backing from organisations such as Z Energy, Dairy NZ, Westpac, Meridian, Contact, and BNZ.

“It’s clear that there is wide support for this idea, and now is the time to get it done. This parliament has an opportunity to show real leadership and make history. We call on them to pass the Zero Carbon Act.”