On Sunday the 6^th of May I had the privilege of seeing climate change activist Bill McKibben speak at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington. I cannot overstate what excitement this was for me – in my books Bill ranks among God status (which I am sure he would be less than pleased about, being a very modest dude and a religious man himself). Of course, I leapt at the opportunity to volunteer at the event, and when he emerged from the heavens, touched my shoulder and said how much he appreciated us volunteering, my feet just about lifted off the ground.

The other two speakers, Mahina-a-rangi Baker and Rosemary Penwarden, were amazing as well. Mahina spoke about Maori perspectives – one metaphor she used that stuck with me is that Western culture is like someone in a race who is so far behind that they think they’re winning. That made me smile, as I have a friend who actually had that experience, but it’s also definitely something to think about. Western hegemony is so entrenched that it is can actually be quite novel to consider that indigenous cultures may know things that Western science does not.

And Rosemary, whenever mentioned afterwards, was immediately followed by a gleeful chorus of “amaaaaaazzziing!” She told a personal story of how she came to be a climate activist, inspired by the birth of her grandson. She was equal parts adorable and badass, someone you want to be best friends with but at the same time are a little bit scared of. Her anecdotes of activist exploits made me (and I would assume many others present) wonder what I have been doing with my life and how to be like Rosemary.

Bill was not as I expected. I haven’t seen a whole lot of public speakers, but generally (especially on YouTube) they are smooth, well-rehearsed and energetic. With Bill it was more like a conversation- he actually paused to think about what he was going to say next. It was so natural it was almost unnatural in the context of a stage; just absolutely heartfelt and genuine. He confessed that he would rather be in his office, writing (as is his primary profession). He is there not to sell tickets and glorify himself, he is there because he is desperate. He has been fighting for climate action for thirty years. And it felt like that. He seemed tired. He seemed frustrated.

Despite the many amazing, inspiring stories of public action around the world, he has been beaten down so many times. He showed the graph of how rates of atmospheric carbon dioxide levelled off for a couple of years, when we dared to hope things were finally turning around, only for the CO₂ level to resume its increasing trajectory last year. He told of his ‘mistake’ in taking part in an argument that turned out to be bogus from the start – both sides always knew the consequences of burning fossil fuels. It was never about the correct science. It was a public relations effort on a giant scale, a massive billion-dollar campaign to protect a powerful yet dying industry. ‘Facts’ became a matter of who could yell the most passionately.

Bill opened his talk questioning whether he needed to be there – a reference to the recent announcement to not allow new oil and gas permits. This is one factor where I would disagree with him- it is more important than ever. Here in New Zealand we still have eighteen coal mines. We are still subsiding fossil fuels $46 million every year, and don’t subsidies renewable energy at all. The vast majority of our banks, our councils, our universities and our retirement funds invest in (and therefore support) fossil fuels. Existing offshore oil permits can potentially carry on until 2070. At the same time, we know perfectly clearly that if we burn even half of the oil we have already found globally, climate change would be catastrophic.

His final words, about standing shoulder to shoulder in our battle for the planet, reminded me of a scene in Lord of the Rings, when Aragorn gives his final rallying speech. “A day may come when the courage of men fails… But it is not this day! This day, we fight!” Well Bill, I for one can certainly say, you have my sword.

I cannot recommend enough Bill’s book ‘Deep Economy.’ It wraps up climate change, capitalism, and farmers markets all in one incredibly interesting page-turner.

An article to start you off with- kind of old now but still just as relevant- Bill’s Rolling Stone article about the nonsensical investments in fossil fuels https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719

The post “This Day, We Fight!”: Aragorn, Bill McKibben, And Climate Change appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

The campaign to end the mining and burning of fossil fuels in Aotearoa has had a major win with the Government’s announcement of an end to new offshore oil and gas exploration. But that still leaves plenty of existing permits – and so far, despite some encouraging words early in their term, the Government has done nothing concrete to prevent new and expanded coal mines.

That’s why we’re really encouraged that our friends in 350 Aotearoa have announced two major events with Bill McKibben in early May – plus livestreams for those who can’t attend in person. Below is the announcement from 350 Aotearoa, but first – if you want to set up a livestream event in your community, here’s how to make a start:

Livestreaming

The Auckland event will be livestreamed starting at 7pm on Monday 7 May. You can follow this at home via the Auckland Facebook event,

Check out 350 Aotearoa’s Facebook page for updates on livestreaming venues.

350 Aotearoa Fossil Free Acceleration Tour Announcement

Tena koutou,

It’s a great pleasure, on such a landmark day for us in the climate movement, to announce the Fossil Free Acceleration Tour with Bill Mckibben, this coming May.

350 Aotearoa sees the government’s announcement to end offshore oil exploration as a massive win and a motivating catalyst for more work, and more change to come. 350 is committed to a fast and just transition to a world powered by 100% renewable energy for all.

At such a pivotal and exciting time in the climate movement, we are excited to welcome Bill McKibben to Aotearoa, and strengthen relationships with other progressive movements and organisations that share in this vision too.

This tour will be a huge opportunity to accelerate and promote all the amazing work that has gone into the fossil free movement so far. I warmly invite you to join us at our events and kindly ask that you spread this announcement through your networks.

Ever since the release of his first book ‘The End of Nature’ 25 years ago, Bill McKibben has become one of the world’s most notable commentators on climate change. Since co-founding 350.org, he has turned to grassroots activism, participating in the Fossil Free campaign, a powerful movement of citizens which demands:

1. A fast + just transition to 100% renewable energy for all.

2. No new fossil fuel projects anywhere.

3. Not a penny more for dirty energy

In January 2018, he was instrumental in New York City’s motion to sue five major energy companies for damages from climate change, and their decision to divest US$5billion from fossil fuel projects. Following this success, Bill McKibben is now making his way to Aotearoa on his global Fossil Free Acceleration Tour.

We encourage you to come see Bill McKibben speak alongside local leaders in the climate movement on the following dates:

Wellington, Sunday 6th May, Embassy Cinema at 7pm. Tickets available here.

Auckland, Monday 7th May, Town Hall Concert Chamber at 7pm. Tickets available here.

Keep updated through our Facebook events:

Wellington: https://www.facebook.com/events/199374854004160/

Auckland: https://www.facebook.com/events/127618811423227/

350 Aotearoa understand that we have a responsibility for ensuring a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. If you have questions regarding accessibility, or any other queries regarding the Fossil Free Acceleration Tour please get in contact.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nāku nā,

Claudia Palmer
Tour Manager
350 Aotearoa

The post Updated Livestream Details: Fossil Free Acceleration Tour with Bill McKibben: Wellington, Sunday 6 May, and Auckland, Monday 7 May, Plus Livestream on 7 May appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

This speaking tour of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland next week with Dr Efleda Bautista of People Surge is well worth your time and attention. Event details are:

Christchurch: 12 October, 7.30pm, Addington Haven, 19 Church Square, Addington. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/435734656613716/

Wellington: 14 October, 6.30pm, Hall No. 1, Wesley Church, 75 Taranaki St. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/747423325385522/

Auckland: 16 October, 6-8pm, Algie Lecture Theatre, University of Auckland Law School, 9 Eden Crescent Building 101. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/925340214206732/

Auckland: 17 October, 3-5pm, Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Road. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/529480887199063/

All the details plus an interview with Dr Bautista are available on the Auckland Philippines Solidarity site. Here is an extract:

In November 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms in recorded history, crashed into the Philippines killing more than 6300 people and displacing millions.  In the aftermath of the devastating storm, the Philippine government failed to adequately distribute tens of millions of aid donated from overseas countries to typhoon survivors.  Big developers used the chaos as an opportunity to grab lands previously occupied by fisher folk and poor communities.

Typhoon survivors formed an alliance called ‘People Surge’ to protest government neglect and demand pro-people rehabilitation. People Surge highlighted calls for land rights for the poor as key in solving mass poverty and consequent people’s vulnerability to disasters and effects of climate change.

Here is the interview:

The post Speaking Tour: In The Eye Of The Storm: Disaster Politics And Climate Change In The Philippines appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

After the excellent reception given to CANA’s report Jobs After Coal at the Wellington launch in May, and a Christchurch event on 30 June which attracted at least 100 people, it’s time to take Jobs After Coal beyond the main centres – and we’re starting in the South Island in the final week of July. Check out the schedule below, get along if you can, and invite your friends and networks to hear Jeanette Fitzsimons explain how we can make a just transition away from coal mining while creating low carbon jobs and sustaining communities.

We’ll be creating Facebook events for each stop on the tour soon and we’ll link them here – watch out for them!

Download a copy of Jobs After Coal

Top of the South, 25-28 July

Blenheim, Friday 25 July: Marlborough Arts Society Gallery, High St, 7pm, contact Verena Maeder, verena_m@hotmail.com

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1428581224091256/

Motueka, Saturday 26 July:  St. Thomas Church, High St., Motueka, 7.30pm. Jeanette Fitzsimons speaks on Beyond Fossil Fuels: Transition to a New Economy. Contact Debs Martin, d.martin@forestandbird.org.nz

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1645936305631995/

Nelson, Sunday 27 July: NMIT Student Lounge, 6pm, contact Debs Martin, d.martin@forestandbird.org.nz – hosted by Forest & Bird.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/668361303246327/

Golden Bay: to be confirmed

Dunedin, Tuesday 29 July

(with Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rosemary Penwarden)

1pm, Archway Lecture Theatre 2 (*** note change in venue from Otago University Centre for Sustainability***), contact fatima.ibrahim-mckague@otago.ac.nz

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/251114788423387/

5.30pm, Otago Chamber of Commerce, “Reinvigorating the Economy: CleanTech Jobs and Low Carbon Opportunity”, contact blueskinenergy@gmail.com or events@otagochamber.co.nz

Invercargill, Wednesday 30 July, Federated Farmers Meeting Room, 70 Forth St

(with Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rosemary Penwarden)

6.30pm: Potluck tea
7.30pm: Networking
8.00pm: Presentation

Contact Jenny Campbell, jennycam@xtra.co.nz

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/590768507702648/

The post Jobs After Coal South Island Tour July 2014 appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

Appearances in person

There are three in-person events:

• Auckland – Tuesday, 11 June, Epsom Girls Grammar School Hall, 7-8.30pm: Buy tickets
• Dunedin – Wednesday, 12 June, Colquhoun Lecture Theatre, Dunedin Hospital, University of Otago, 12 June, 7pm: RSVP
• Wellington – Thursday, 13 June, The Embassy Theatre, 7-8.30pm: Buy tickets

Please note: Invercargill event is now a delayed broadcast on Thursday 13 June

The Invercargill event, which was originally listed as a live broadcast on 11 June, will now be a delayed broadcast starting at 6.45pm on Thursday 13 June at Level 3, 5 The Crescent.

Live broadcasts on Tuesday 11 June

Bill McKibben’s Auckland presentation will now be broadcast live to many other centres. Current details are below. For updates, please join the Facebook event to receive the latest updates, or check math.350.org/nz.

Tuesday, 11 June, 6.45pm-9pm by live video stream

• Palmerston North – All Saints Community Centre
• Gisborne – Gisborne District Council building
• Tauranga- Wesley Centre, 100 Thirteenth Avenue
• Hamilton – Room S.G. 03, Knighton Road, University of Waikato
• Waiheke Island – Waiheke Community Cinema
• Nelson – The Yurt at The Free House, 95 Collingwood Street. Seats limited RSVP at http://billmckibbennelson.eventbrite.co.nz/ to guarantee a seat.
• Christchurch – Jack Mann Auditorium
• Timaru – Aoraki Polytech – Room G3,Godley Block, Arthur St
• Golden Bay – 20 Central Takaka Rd, Takaka. Limited capacity, lease RSVP to helloon@gmail.com

The post Bill McKibben Tour: Updated Details Of In-Person And Broadcast Events appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

Get your tickets now!  Bill McKibben’s DO THE MATHS tour is coming to New Zealand

One of the world’s most respected speakers and activists on climate change, award winning author and journalist, leader of the Keystone XL pipeline protests in the US – Bill McKibben – is bringing his Do The Maths talk to New Zealand in June.

• Get your tickets now at maths.350.org/nz
• Join the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/162766327216411/
• Download the flyer
  

After the massive success of the Do the Maths Tour, which sold out shows in every corner of the United States last year, 350 Aotearoa is bringing Bill McKibben to New Zealand for 3 big nights.

• Auckland – Tuesday, 11 June, Epsom Girls Grammar School Hall, 7-8.30pm
• Dunedin – Wednesday, 12 June, venue tbc
• Wellington – Thursday, 13 June, The Embassy Theatre, 7-8.30pm

Live video links are being organised in several other centres – details available soon.  For more information, or to offer to host a link in your area, email ashlee@350.org.nz

This is definitely not your typical lecture. Bill will be laying out the simple (but startling) maths on climate change – and calling on New Zealanders to join the global movement to change them.

A climate change maths lesson that might just change the world.

The maths are simple: we can burn less than 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide and stay below 2°C of warming — anything more than that risks catastrophe for life on earth. The problem? Fossil fuel companies have 2,795 gigatons in their reserves, five times the safe amount. And they’re planning to burn it all — unless we do the maths to change our future.

Details and tickets are available at maths.350.org/nz .  If you have questions or want to volunteer to help, email ashlee@350.org.nz.

About Bill McKibben

Bill McKibben, a well-known environmental author and activist, is the founder of 350.org, an international climate change campaign, which is named for the maximum safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, 350 parts per million.

When he’s not busy organising, Bill is a writer on the climate crisis and other environmental issues. His 1989 book The End of Nature was the first book to warn the general public about the threat of global warming. Bill is a contributor to The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s, Orion Magazine, Mother Jones, The New York Review of Books, Granta, Rolling Stone, and Outside. He is a board member and contributor to Grist Magazine. He has been awarded Guggenheim and Lyndhurst Fellowships, and won the Lannan Prize for nonfiction writing. He is currently a Scholar in Residence at Middlebury College and lives in Ripton, Vermont with his wife, author Sue Halpern, and daughter Sophie.

Bill McKibben’s New Zealand visit is being organised by 350 Aotearoa, and supported by many partner organisations.  You can check them out at www.350.org.nz or email them at 350@350.org.nz.

The post Bill McKibben’s “Do The Maths” Tour: Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington, June 2013 appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

Drew is a long-term environmental campaigner who has worked closely with farmers, landholders and indigenous communities in Australia. He is the President of the Lock the Gate Alliance.

Now you can learn from Drew’s experience and find out how we can Lock the Gate on fracking, coal mining and Coal Seam Gas projects.

Lock the Gates Tour

Tour schedule

Wellington: 22nd August, St Johns in the City, 170 Willis St, 6.30 pm.

Dannevirke: 23rd August, The Hub, Allardice St, 2pm.

Hastings: 23rd August, Heretaunga Taiwhenua, 821 Orchard Road, 7-9pm.

Gisborne: 24th August, Gisborne District Council Chambers, 2pm.

Te Karaka, 24th August, Rangatira Scout Hall, 7pm.

Rotorua: 25th August, Keynote speaker at Ka Nui Conference, Rotorua Convention Centre 3pm. http://kanuiconference.wordpress.com/

Hamilton: 27th August, Waikato University room S.G.03, 7pm.

Taranaki: 28th August, Norfolk Hall, S.H3 Norfolk (near Inglewood), 7pm.

Gore, 29th August, James Cumming Wing, Ardwick St, 7.30pm.

The post Drew Hutton Lock The Gates Tour, August 2012 appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

“Maintaining farm productivity and profits in an uncertain climate”

Auckland Friday 2 September

Auckland 4.30 to 6.30 pm Owen Glen Building, Lecture Theatre OGGB4 Grafton Road, University of Auckland

Title: Preparing for White Swans: Climate change and opportunities for the economy

Contact:  Ilse Hindle i.hindle@auckland.ac.nz

Christchurch Thursday 22 September

Christchurch 12 noon to 2 pm, University of Canterbury venue TBA

Title: Preparing for White Swans: Climate change and opportunities for the economy

Contact:  Bronwyn Hayward bronwyn.hayward@canterbury.ac.nz

Rangiora 4 to 6 pm Enterprise North Canterbury venue TBA

Contact: Heather Warwick heather@enterprisenc.co.nz

Central Otago Friday 23 September

Omakau 3 to 5 pm Omakau Rugby Club

Contact: Jonathan Gadd jonathan.gadd@codc..govt.nz

Eastern Bay of Plenty Wednesday 28 September

Whakatane Environment Bay of Plenty 1 to 3 pm venue TBA

Contact: Simon Stokes Simon.Stokes@envbop.govt.nz

Palmerston North Friday 30 September

Palmerston North Horizons Manawatu venue TBA

Contacr: Craig Mitchell craig.mitchell@horizons.govt.nz

Oamaru Monday 10 October

Oamaru 12 noon to 2 pm Inkbox Theatre, Oamaru Opera House (Waitaki District Council)

Contact: Richard Mabon rmabon@waitaki.govt.nz

Palmerston 7 to 9 pm venue TBA

Dugald MacTavish dugald@es.co.nz

Dunedin Tuesday 11 October

1. Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment CSAFE, University of Otago

Title: Preparing for White Swans: Climate change and opportunities for the agricultural economy

Contact: Chris Rosin chris.rosin@otago.ac.nz

2. Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago

Contact. Andrew Bradstock andrew.bradstock@otago.ac.nz

The second seminar will look at ethics and intergenerational issues

Southland Thursday 27 October

Invercargill, Environment Southland venue TBA

Wellington Tuesday 1 November 

Wellington 4.30 to 6.30 pm Victoria University of Wellington Hunter Building Council Chambers, Climate Change Research Institute

Title: Preparing for White Swans: Climate change and opportunities for the economy

Contact: Liz Thomas liz.thomas@vuw.ac.nz

The post Climate Tour September – November 2011 appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.