December 23rd, 2024
Greenpeace Aotearoa has issued a firm criticism of the New Zealand Government's 2023 Budget, accusing it of prioritising corporate profit over decisive action on climate change and tackling cost of living issues.
Christine Rose, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa, lambasted the Government's alleged failure to act against the country's most polluting sectors - agriculture, transport, and energy.
"Industry lobbyists have pushed the Government into inaction on the transformative change needed to address both the climate and cost of living crises," she said.
In Rose's view, the budget has missed critical opportunities for positive environmental change. She expressed disappointment at the Government's lack of action towards shifting from intensive dairy farming to a more ecological, low-emission model, as well as its failure to prioritise sustainable transportation.
"While it's positive to see that half-price fares remain for some, we needed bolder and more visionary strategies, including significant investment in expanding rail and making public transport fares free for all," Rose said.
She also pointed to a lack of substantial investment in locally-owned renewable energy in the budget.
"This would end our dependence on oil, gas, and coal, and also reduce the power bills of everyday New Zealanders, addressing both the cost of living and climate crisis," Rose emphasised.
Rose called for a "Climate Election", stating, "This budget has made it clear that we need a Climate Election where all political parties understand that the climate crisis transcends politics. Polluting industries cannot be allowed to continue with denial and delay, forcing us all to carry the costs of escalating severe climate disasters.”