Now that outright climate denial is on the wane; we get further flak from far-right organisations using "reputable sources". They suggest climate change may be happening. But enjoy the ride. It won't be that bad. Similar "experts" use strawman arguments that electric cars are useless because they have lithium batteries and electric sources are often fossil fuels. No matter that battery recycling is increasing and those greener replacements for lithium are forthcoming. Or that green electric energy is easily achievable by all nations - with estimates of a Green New Deal to achieve this step costing just 2 per cent of the annual global GDP while achieving economic growth. (Militaries alone cost nearly 3 per cent globally.)
In New Zealand, agriculture - primarily meat and dairy - are responsible for nearly 50 per cent of our emissions. According to OECD figures, we are now rated No.2 in the OECD for the worst greenhouse gas emissions per GDP — a figure seldom reported in the media. Yet, although most media now recognise fossil fuel emissions as a pariah (20 years too late), few focus on the most prevalent cause of our shockingly poor standing, meat and dairy. When money talks, truth walks.
Many powerful groups produce flak that keeps these facts in check at an unprecedented rate. For example, the agriculture industry association Animal and Plant Health wrote a full-page article a few weeks ago ridiculously titled "EU Green Deal may rob poor of food", justifying the use of toxic substances banned in the EU in agriculture. The well-researched and internationally acclaimed movie Milked went unnoticed in NZ media – except for, in my opinion, one ludicrously bad review on Newshub, and a slamming by the far-right Taxpayers' Union, for using some public money for the film.
To fight climate change in any meaningful manner, we absolutely need to have fair and balanced media. Profitable greenhouse-friendly agriculture exists. Only public pressure resulting from balanced reporting will enact meaningful change.
• Brit Bunkley is an internationally exhibiting artist, retired from UCOL.