The Prime Minister has called climate change “one of the greatest challenges of our time”.
This week, New Zealand formally acknowledged the global crisis by declaring a climate emergency.
The nation joins 32 other countries including Japan, Canada, France and Britain that have already declared a climate crisis.
The government put forward a motion to declare the emergency as the parliament reconvened after a general election won by Ardern’s party.
‘Need to act now’
Calling climate change “one of the greatest challenges of our time”, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the declaration was an acknowledgment of the burden the next generation would encounter.
She said: “This declaration is an acknowledgement of the next generation. An acknowledgement of the burden that they will carry if we do not get this right and do not take action now.
“It is up to us to make sure we demonstrate a plan for action, and a reason for hope.”
Yet purely symbolic
However, the declaration comes without any new monetary commitment or statutory powers, making the move purely symbolic.
Addressing the parliament, she did promise to back up the declaration with ongoing action in the coming future.
Ardern returned to power in October after clinching the biggest election victory for her centre-left Labour Party.
Her past efforts include passing the Zero Carbon Bill, which outlines the framework for net zero emissions by 2050, and committing to 100 % renewable energy by 2030.
She also enacted bans on all new offshore oil and gas exploration in New Zealand waters.
‘Politics over practical solutions’
While a majority of the lawmakers voted in favour of the declaration, critics state that Ardern’s government has lagged behind after campaigning strongly on environmental issues.
New Zealand’s main opposition National Party voted against the climate emergency declaration, calling it nothing but “virtue signalling”.
“Today’s performance from the government was a triumph of politics over practical solutions, and of slogans over substance,” David Seymour, another opposing lawmaker, said.
More than just words
Although Greenpeace welcomed the declaration, it challenged the government to follow through with policy and action.
“For Jacinda Arderns climate emergency declaration to be more than just words, that means tackling New Zealands largest source of climate pollution: agriculture,” said Greenpeace agriculture and climate campaigner Kate Simcock.
“When the house is on fire, there’s no point hitting the alarm without fighting the fire as well,” she added.
“Fighting the fire in New Zealand means tackling agricultural emissions.”
Share this story to let others know about New Zealand declaring a climate emergency.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Gordon Ramsay Ditches Vegan Hate and Backs Flora’s Plant-Based Butter in New ‘Skip the Cow’ Campaign
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 28th January 2025
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, once infamous for his digs at vegans, has taken a sharp turn in the kitchen. Ramsay has teamed up with Flora, the famous UK-based spread brand, as its global ambassador, marking a bold new chapter in Flora’s “Skip the Cow” campaign. Flora, established in 1964, has long been a household name …
The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 27th January 2025
Latin America is experiencing an extraordinary rise in plant-based dining options. A new study, spearheaded by Veganuary in partnership with the food discovery platform HappyCow, reveals that Latin America now boasts over 10,000 vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants—an impressive 21.6% jump compared to last year. Brazil takes the crown as the number one country, with …
Continue reading “The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God