What's your name?
Annika Chapman Where in the world are you? Just moved to the UK from Wellington (stories from Wellington below) What do you do in the world? I work in policy and public affairs for an NGO. In my spare time, I'm the Wellington Volunteer Coordinator for the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (we have got to stop seeing animals as so disposable). In one sentence, what is climate change? The result of short sighted apathy toward the anthropogenic mass extinction of much life on this planet; we are changing Mother Nature's equilibrium. How does climate change affect your life? Climate change is an issue I think about every day. Awareness of it has given me an even greater drive toward consuming as sustainably as possible, from buying secondhand where possible, to eating a vegan diet. What do you feel you can do about it? Meat and dairy production is the single biggest contributor towards climate change in our wold today. By choosing to eat a vegan (or vegetarian) diet I know that I am 'voting with my wallet', with regard to how much demand there is for more sustainable food choices in cafes and restaurants, and even the wider range of food choices in supermarkets. Climate Change is an amazing opportunity for us to learn, about the balance of the natural world and our place within it. I try my best to gently engage people on the issues to spread the awareness of sustainability, Climate Change and veganism, and also to learn from others. Learning and sharing is the best tool we have. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? Growing a (veggie) garden at home would help to reduce the transport cost impact of food - I haven't done this as apartment living limits having a garden. Also, doing the food shopping with reusable containers to minimize packaging waste would be a good step. I think I'll give it a go! What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Having some kind of outdoor adventure - hiking, beaching, mountain biking. Getting out of the city and into the fresh air. Extra for experts: Do you remember how you first became active in climate change? I was 16 years old, and went to a screening of Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' - I was blown away! I'd always known we should recycle and limit pollution, but I hadn't yet discovered the consequence of this mass pollution and loss of natural environment. Two years later, I saw the ancient glaciers at the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, and the certain knowledge that they would not be around for my grandchildren to see, spurred me to action. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question The biggest mobilizer for change is social dialogue; that's why this blog is so important. How do we get it going all over the world?!
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What's your name?
Justin Lester. Where in the world are you? Wellington, New Zealand. What do you do in the world? I am lucky enough to be Mayor for the Coolest Little Capital in the world. In one sentence, what is climate change? Climate change is the biggest threat to our future we are facing. Climate Change is making our seas warm and rise, causing extreme temperature changes and causes more extreme climate events like cyclones, storms, floods and droughts. How does climate change affect your life? I want to make sure that my daughters grow up and are able to enjoy nature in the same way I have. It is our job to protect this planet for future generations. It’s the only one we have. What do you feel you can do about it? As part of Wellington City Council, I can help develop and implement plans that will reduce our city’s greenhouse gas emissions and support Wellington’s resilience. Things like promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles and low carbon transport options are huge first steps. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? There is always more that can be done, especially for something as big as climate change, but at the Council we will be doing everything we can to make sure Wellington has plans in place that commits it to a low carbon future. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Spending time with my wife and two young daughters. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question I’ve always been interested in leaving New Zealand, and the world, a little better off than when I found it. I first got involved in politics in University, and from there have become increasingly more invested in finding ways that I can give back. I first got really interested in climate change in the late 2000’s, while I was studying at the Max Plank Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. Where in the world are you?
Wellington, New Zealand What do you do in the world? My job and my personal passion are to encourage and support people to be part of the solution to climate change. I've worked on climate change policy for over 20 years in the public, private and NGO sectors. Right now I do research and dialogue on New Zealand's low-emission future at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research and as a consultant at Silver Lining Global Solutions. The views I express here are my own. Personally, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, tramping, singing and exploring a spiritual path. In one sentence, what is climate change? Human-induced climate change is an avoidable crisis-in-waiting and an invitation to innovate and work together to safeguard current and future generations. How does climate change affect your life? Climate change inspires me to work on mitigation policy because I want to contribute to a positive vision for our future and the future of other species and I know that practical solutions are available. Climate change also motivates me to take steps to reduce my own emissions footprint. Climate change impacts will affect where I choose to live and (hopefully one day) buy a home. What do you feel you can do about it? I can adjust my personal lifestyle (especially eating less meat and dairy, taking public transport, using less energy, composting green waste, reducing other waste and buying less stuff). I can do research to understand climate change causes and solutions, and share what I learn with others. I can talk with people with different backgrounds and values to learn more about their views on climate change, find common ground and explore how we can work together. I can raise my voice to help to make climate change an election issue and vote for the leaders offering the best climate change solutions. I can buy from the businesses and countries that are committed to reducing emissions. I can contribute my time and funding to other people and organisations working on preventing climate change. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? I could do more as an individual if I was supported by large-scale changes to our underlying energy generation, transport, building and food production systems. That requires alignment of social consensus with government policy and business action. It also requires cross-party commitment to a long-term rising emission price across the economy. We need more cross-party and cross-sector dialogue on how to craft smart transformational pathways toward zero-net emissions of long-lived greenhouse gases in New Zealand. Work-wise, I could join with others in making a bigger contribution if there were more sources of funding for climate change problem solving and social change from the government, business and philanthropic communities. There are energised individuals and transformational ideas out there in need of funding to make a difference. There are areas of my personal lifestyle where I am choosing moderation rather than exclusion of emitting activities. I miss my family overseas and still travel to see them. I use electric heating when it is cold. I still eat some dairy and meat. I borrow my partner’s car sometimes. But I am making choices mindfully to reduce my contribution to global emissions. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Going tramping in the New Zealand bush on a sunny day. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question We face important choices every day about the kind of future we want to leave to our children and grandchildren. Everyone can do something to help avoid dangerous climate change. Extra for experts: When did you first become active in climate change? I grew up in the US. In college I spent a semester at the Duke University Marine Laboratory and took courses on the geology of climate change and emerging environmental literature like “Earth in the Balance” (Al Gore) and “The End of Nature” (Bill McKibben). That was back in 1992, the year when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was being negotiated. What I learned sparked my desire to try to help with this potentially devastating, self-imposed and very avoidable problem. In the next semester I took a course on US environmental policy, started reading Congressional testimony on climate change and energy issues and got hooked. After I graduated from college, I moved to Washington, DC. My first job was on environmental policy for local government, but I couldn’t stay away from climate change policy and every job since then has involved working on this issue from different angles. Where in the world are you?
Wellington New Zealand What do you do in the world? Pull coffee shots, write long and short essays and illustrate my living room. In one sentence, what is climate change? A devastating consequence of selfish human thought. How does climate change affect your life? The degradation of ecosystems is all around us. Drought, water pollution and extreme weather conditions affect all living organisms (except maybe cockroaches). Most devastating are the effects that these changes have on the world's most vulnerable people. What do you feel you can do about it? I don't drive....and it's all very well to recycle, buy organic food and say no to plastic bags. But fundamentally I think that the governments and corporations that put capital gains before responsibility to nature and all it entails need to be exposed, be he held accountabe and accept responsibility. I hope that some of my research and writing can inspire and influence this. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? Yes. Essentially the time needed to endlessly lobby our governments. I also think it's fundamentally necessary to address and work against the effects of climate change in third world and developing countries. Something that geography makes difficult. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? I like to get out and go for a walk, cycle or a swim. Followed by dinner at a friends house. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question A tree falls whichever way it leans...be careful which way you lean. - The Lorax What's your name?
Silvia Perlit Quincho Vela Where in the world are you? Wellington, New Zealand. Originally Lima, Peru. What do you do in the world? I'm an Environmental Scientist learning about Climate Change Adaptation Strategies based on Indigenous Knowledge. In one sentence, what is climate change? It is the consequence of our unbalanced civilization, our lack of understanding that by hurting the Planet, we also hurt ourselves. How does climate change affect your life? Personally, Climate Change is messing up with my morning coffee. As Climate Change shifts seasons, some products are becoming less available. In my life, that's coffee. The changing weather patterns have badly affected coffee plantations in my country, diseases have spread out and the coffee harvest has been reduced in quantity and quality. Besides that, Climate Change is causing the retreat of tropical glaciers which feed the rivers most Peruvians drink from. I feel Climate Change is a reality in my life and it can potentially affect my loved ones. What do you feel you can do about it? A lot. Climate Change is giving us the opportunity to become Smart Global Citizens once again. I say "Once Again" because during my time researching among indigenous communities, I realized they are already Smart Global Citizens. No matter where they are placed in the world, indigenous communities share a deep understanding of complex systems, they acknowledge the Planet as a unity, they understand the interconnection between natural systems, and they describe the role of humankind as guardians. Learning from them, has helped me to reconnect with my roots and embrace them. It has also gave me a wider outlook to find climate smart solutions. Now, I devote my work to reconnect indigenous knowledge for Climate Change Adaptation. We are all indigenous from somewhere in the world, Peruvian, Maori, British, Chinese, we are all Earthians. Indigenous knowledge is inclusive. So why not embrace that side of us and become Smart Global Citizens once again. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? I do. I feel there is an amazing opportunity to build bridges to learn, share and exchange climate indigenous knowledge. Right now, being in New Zealand, I'm developing a project to connect Peruvian and Maori Knowledge around Climate Smart Agriculture. I called this project, Pukina Koru. My biggest barrier to make this happen, is my own fears. But I also need to find a kiwi counterpart and a platform. I was hoping to develop my idea by means of a Master Program in Victoria, but I wasn't granted the scholarship I applied for. So now, I'm exploring other options. If there is anyone out there keen on sharing and exchanging knowledge on Climate Smart Agriculture based on traditional knowledge, let's talk! What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Lately, I enjoy cooking for my friends. Extra for experts: Do you remember how you first became active in climate change? Was there something specific that triggered you to act? How old were you then? How old are you now? I've been eco-conscious for as long as I can remember. But I think I started taking action when I turned 15 years old. I got involved with environmental groups and soon after I became an environmental activist. The episode that triggered my will to act in Climate Change was witnessing, first-hand, the fast retreat of tropical glaciers. I used to visit the Pastoruri Glacier which officially disappeared in 2008. It has been 14 years since I joined the Climate action. I'm 29 now - Older but wiser. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question I'd like to share with you my favourite Kiwi Quote: ‘Kia tuohu ai tatou, mo aianei, mo apopo, mo ake tonu atu’ May the wisdom of old be a force for good, today and tomorrow, and in all our tomorrows. Author: Te Uri O Te Pani Manawatu. Tuahiwi, 1989 Where in the world are you?
Wellington, New Zealand. What do you do in the world? Public servant, gamer, mum. In one sentence, what is climate change? Changing weather patterns as a result of human activities. How does climate change affect your life? In a perceivable sense not so much. I mean yes it does seem like weather is much more unsettled and we are breaking records in our country in terms of temperatures, but for the most part not in any significant way as of yet. I work, I buy food, my garden still grows, I am not underwater, I have clean water etc... But because I am aware of the potential impacts and can see how it is affecting other parts of the world. I have adjusted my behaviour to help minimise the impact on our planet. What do you feel you can do about it? I think we should shift our focus to combating social issues like poverty, education and domestic violence. We should shift our focus to stopping people who lack empathy getting into positions of power. How much priority do you give to living in a much more sustainable way if you are struggling to feed your kids? How much traction can we get if we keep voting in people who care more about championing business at the expense of people and the environment? I want to be optimistic and believe we can make a difference but actually I feel rather powerless against certain facets of human nature. In the end all I feel I can do is make sure I am doing the best I can to live in a sustainable and ethical way within the context of needing to pay off my mortgage, feed my kids, battle mental illness etc... Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? I would like to do more but I have finite resources in terms of time, money and energy. I don't have the answers. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Making pizzas and making music. Where in the world are you?
Wellington, New Zealand What do you do in the world? I am a transport engineer in between being a social butterfly and an adventure bunny. In one sentence, what is climate change? The largest challenge ever facing mankind. How does climate change affect your life? Each day the impacts become more obvious. I see climate change as the pieces of plastic that are found on the beach (never found 15 years ago), the increasing temperature, the more frequent occurrence of natural disaster, the overuse of the world's finite resources. What do you feel you can do about it? Create change, encourage people to make some personal change- demand change to be made at a large-scale by politicians. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? I could give up meat. I am trying to reduce my in-take but I really would like to see policy changes which will impact everyone to make positive changes. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Biking, skiing, hanging with my friends and laughing. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question Let's get people educated, let's demand that our politicians are bold. Where in the world are you?
Wellington, New Zealand What do you do in the world? Programming, Climate Activism, Food Waste Collection By Bike, Turn Awesome Ideas into Awesome Things. In one sentence, what is climate change? A terrible reality which we need to address immediately. How does climate change affect your life? Currently I don't see or observe any physical affects from climate change as the major effects - sea level rise, temperature rise, extreme weather patterns, crop health and yield, etc - are still a predicted future. However the realisation of our uncertain future on this planet, coming to terms with the changes I need to make, and trying to help other people come to these realisations are definitely things that affect me everyday. What do you feel you can do about it? In essence, make conscious, mindful and meaningful changes in my everyday actions and decisions. Consume less. Reuse more. Learn and discuss climate solutions. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? Personal change, like climate change, is a slow process - however, we need to change faster. The biggest barrier to personal change, in my mind, is the views held by society and the norms that surround that - it's hard to act in a way that is contrary to societies actions. By creating new positive social norms, everyone is more likely to undertake positive climate actions. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Depends what the day brings. Where in the world are you?
Dunedin, New Zealand What do you do in the world? Masters student and part-timer at Thankyou Payroll In one sentence, what is climate change? A cesspool of short-sighted decision making, powerful lobbying and a great big opportunity to do things better. How does climate change affect your life? It makes me pretty scared. I often don't know what the future will hold for us and find it hard to make life decisions because of that. It makes me wonder what could I do that would make a difference, in a hopeful way not a hopeless way. It was also the catalyst for a whole heap of skill development which made me a more useful human, so maybe, in a weird way- thankful? What do you feel you can do about it? Depends what day it is honestly! Good days I want to take on our top decision makers and get them to take more urgent action on climate change. Bad days I want to hide in bed. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? Yes I could do more. Whats stopping me is how long it takes to see change happen and being OK with that (given the urgency with which we need to transition to more sustainable energy systems). What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Having a delicious beer and talking with friends. Walking around in my pyjamas all day. Extra for experts: Do you remember how you first became active in climate change? Was there something specific that triggered you to act? How old were you then? How old are you now? I was 22 and we had just learnt about eco-system collapse in the ocean due to climate change and ocean acidification (in class). It was really terrifying, so I joined Generation Zero. From there I slowly discovered the political side of climate change and how influencing this part of the issue could create some momentum in our political system, so that NZ could be zero net carbon by 2050. Where in the world are you?
Auckland, New Zealand What do you do in the world? Climate Scientist In one sentence, what is climate change? Climate change encompass all forms of climatic variability on time-scales longer than 10 years, whether the cause is natural or anthropogenic (caused by humans). How does climate change affect your life? Climate change has been affecting my life now for the past 50 years! As a boy I was a hobby weather observer then uncovered climate warming in New Zealand in the mid 1970s. From then I have devoted my life to studying climate change and variability in New Zealand and the South Pacific, leading an international team on examining the effects on agriculture and fisheries. I have studied and researched climate at NIWA, Stanford University, CSIRO and other research institutes. The last two decades I have spent communicating climate change at public talks, scientific conferences and seminars. Awards have been received for this, including the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change to which I was a contributor for the understanding of climate change. What do you feel you can do about it? I continue to communicate on climate change at talks and seminars, and researching aspects of climate warming in New Zealand. As well, am conserving household energy and espousing forms of energy conservation in my talks and commentary. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? We all can do more...but are probably constrained by lifestyle and finances. I would like to have a house and car totally run on renewable energy sources. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Organizing my vegetable garden. Extra for experts: Do you remember how you first became active in climate change? Was there something specific that triggered you to act? How old were you then? How old are you now? When I read a feature in the Otago Daily Times 40 years ago about the possibility that the planet could be descending in to the next ice age. I researched climate from New Zealand and nearby islands and found the region was warming up. This spurred me in to investigating climate and global warming. I was 28 at the time, and now 69. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question Keep up the good work |
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