How well we do will depend on all of us helping each other to go as far and as hard as possible to do these reductions and plan for these emergencies.
In Whanganui we live on a river delta, in an estuary, areas hit hard by flooding in times of sea surges and heavy rainfalls and we head to a stormier, damper warmer climate.
One thing we need to think about is where we can store this excess water we get in times of rain emergencies. We are concerned when we look at how areas that may accommodate some of this stormwater in the Mills/Mosston roads are being filled in with abandon.
We also need to reduce our carbon footprint with the agriculture sector. Taking animals off erosion prone land, reducing animal numbers through regenerative agriculture and permaculture practices will be worth seriously investigating. Most of us can reduce our meat intake and learn to grow and cook smarter.
The need to think smarter for with the future of humankind in mind is right now!
Rod Oram does not think the Climate Change Commissioner has gone hard or far enough in his suggestions to reduce our carbon footprint. Especially as the commissioner limits his thoughts to carbon issues and has not investigated the possibility of system change.
We may not be around to see the proof of the pudding so please consider suggested possibilities.
Do not be afraid to discuss with your neighbours, friends, family, whānau and colleagues. We are all in this waka together and need each other to successfully row it through the coming storms.
- Graham and Lyn Pearson are actively involved in Progress Castlecliff and the Sustainable Whanganui Trust