Attack on Environmentalists is an Attack on Kiwi Values – Greenpeace

Tuesday 18 July 2006: Greenpeace says the attack on environmentalists by Federated Farmers is an attack on all Kiwis who value our clean and green environment.

“Ultimately we all benefit from a healthy environment; where we work, live and play. The right to breathe clean air, drink clean water and eat food that has not been poisoned, are the fundamental rights of all New Zealanders,” said Cindy Baxter, campaign manager.

“New Zealand’s clean green reputation and our anti-nuclear stance are amongst the things that make New Zealanders most proud”.

Greenpeace also dismisses Mr Pederson’s assertion that increased agricultural production is needed to feed the world’s poor.

“Our colleagues in India and China will be the first to tell you that there’s enough food to feed every person on the planet, but it’s the world’s economic and political systems which cause hunger in impoverished nations. A recent United Nations report has also identified degrading ecosystems as a contributing factor to world hunger. Greenpeace is global, we look far beyond Charlie Pederson’s farm gate.”

It’s time Federated Farmers rethought their approach to climate change. While Federated Farmers lobbied against sensible climate change policies, New Zealand’s farmers are likely to be the worst hit by climate change in NZ: more floods, more droughts and new pests and diseases.

“It’s all very well to rant about private property rights, but if your property is washed away because more tropical cyclones hit New Zealand, your property rights aren’t much good. We’re all in this together”.

“Are we, in 40 years time, going to be hearing farmers asking ordinary taxpayers for expensive bailouts to pay for the damage from the extreme weather events which a changing climate will bring us?”

Mr Pederson also stated that New Zealand shouldn’t act on climate change because of our tiny contribution to the global problem. “In New Zealand, we are amongst the biggest polluters per person. How can we stand up and urge the big polluters to act on this issue if we’re not doing anything here?” said Cindy Baxter.

Greenpeace urged Mr Pederson to not look at “yesterday’s science” but “tomorrow’s science” with the development of clean, green technologies that some New Zealand companies are leading the world in creating.

ENDS

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