Dr Paul Winton
A leading figure in decarbonisation is the keynote speaker at a workshop in Gisborne next week.
Dr Paul Winton is a capital investment specialist and founder of the not-for-profit 1point5 Project which is part of a wider drive targeting a world that stays within a 1.5-degrees temperature increase from pre-industrial times.
He will be speaking at a workshop on Tuesday, February 14, titled Taking Climate Action: Decarbonising Our Business and Lifestyle.
Hosted by local collective Tairāwhiti Emissions Reduction, the workshop will also feature representatives of several businesses and organisations involved in emissions reduction projects.
“Key to the success of the climate movement is strong civic climate leadership from councils and central government, which itself is being heavily shaped by voters, advocates and activists,” Dr Winton said.
“People often undercook the power they have to influence these decision-makers and it's something that can be harnessed for good.”
Much of Dr Winton's more detailed recent work has been around transport, understanding the impact decarbonisation can have on a community and region, and holding leaders accountable through advocacy and litigation.
Rau Tipu Rau Ora integration and operation manager Harley Dibble says it is a great chance for the community to hear about the many opportunities to decarbonise businesses and lifestyles while saving money and improving health outcomes.
“The event provides a fabulous opportunity to develop a shared understanding of all the great decarbonisation mahi planned or under way in our region,” he says.
“It's also about providing support and identifying collaboration opportunities that can enhance our regional impact.”
Tairawhiti Toha lead Renee Raroa says the region is well placed to be a leader of regional climate innovation with a number of longstanding initiatives, and more emerging.
“We have the opportunity to embrace our ancestral wisdoms and re-establish our kinship with the environment as we develop solutions together,” she says.
Toha is building a system that creates new value and funding for climate action.
“Flaxroots efforts and community-led solutions supported by strategic leadership policy and investment will enable us to thrive in our transition.”
Trust Tairāwhiti economic development general manager Richard Searle says they are proud to support an event that provides an opportunity for the trust to share how it is responding to the climate leadership commitments in its strategic plan.
“Strategic partnerships and collaboration are critically important and we're happy to be working with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and others to provide support for Tairāwhiti businesses on their decarbonisation journeys.”
Gisborne District Council will also be at the workshop and will present on a wide range of topics including waste, fleet conversion, the regional decarbonisation roadmap and the future development strategy.
GDC chief of strategy and science Joanna Noble says climate change is a significant risk to all.
“But it also presents a unique opportunity for us to work together to build a resilient Tairāwhiti that supports our social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing.
“There is no better time than now to decarbonise our region through a participatory and fair process.”
■ The workshop is being funded by GDC, Trust Tairāwhiti and Rau Tipu Rau Ora. It is being held at Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club from 1pm to 4pm on February 14. For more information go to tinyurl.com/emissionsreduction23, email admin@rtrotairawhiti.nz or phone 027 521 1688.