NZ Youth at Paris Climate Talks call for fossil fuel phase out

Following news that the New Zealand government has responded to calls from the community to adopt the 1.5 degree temperature limit at the Paris Climate Talks, the New Zealand Youth Delegation (NZYD) is calling for an immediate ban on further exploration for oil, gas and coal reserves in New Zealand and a just, urgent transition out of the fossil fuel industry in New Zealand. NZYD hosted an action earlier today in front of the COP21 Eiffel Tower where young New Zealanders held messages and banners calling on the New Zealand government to end all fossil fuel exploration and transition out of fossil fuel energy in New Zealand.

“We are ecstatic that our Government has listened to voices like ours. If New Zealand wants to meet our commitment for a 1.5 limit, we need a just and urgent transition away from our remaining dirty energy sources and a moratorium on further exploration. Let’s keep it in the ground to protect our Pacific neighbours and New Zealand from climate change impacts such as dangerous sea level rises. Let’s keep it in the ground so we have a chance of meeting our ambitious target.” said NZYD Spokesperson Renee Annan.

“Our win on the 1.5 degree issue shows the power of young people rising up to take action. It’s urgent we keep up the pressure since our government is trying to keep us in the dark ages of the fossil fuel industry through huge handouts to big oil, and by stacking the deck against renewables. We are calling on our fellow Kiwis, especially young people, to get involved in their local divestment, oil free, climate, and clean energy campaigns and help bring New Zealand into the light of a clean energy future. Let’s rise up together as young people and take control of our future.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media