Sustainable New Zealand

I laughed so hard I almost fell off my chair when I read what our dear deluded Prime Minister said in her address to the German Council for Sustainable Development last week!

"…New Zealand enjoys a priceless reputation as a nation with a pristine environment, which is clean and green, nuclear free, and, as our tourism promotions proclaim, one hundred per cent pure."

Ms Clark may have had a point some 60 odd years ago but does anyone out there (excluding those who live in deepest darkest central America and have no clue that New Zealand actually exists outside of fairy tales) still think that NZ is the 'clean green' nation portrayed so matter-of-factly by the government and certain sections of media?! I mean really?!

Yes, a large proportion of NZ energy comes from renewable sources and there is a lot of green space but the country also has one of the highest greenhouse gas emissions output per capita; there is far too much government supported reliance on individual motor vehicles and spending on road expansion to the detriment of public transport; the water isn't always as clean as some would have you believe etc.

"...we were a little ahead of public opinion in New Zealand, where there was still a tendency by many to focus on the costs of becoming more sustainable, rather than on the opportunities and on the importance of being part of the solution to a global problem."

Blaming the NZ public for being behind on sustainable issues is downright low and Ms Clark's government (along with past NZ governments) need to take responsibilty for any lack of knowledge in this area it's citizens may have rather than use them as an excuse for falling below standards!

The Prime Minister must however be commended for her statement that she challenged New Zealand to become the world's first truly sustainable nation (first I've heard of it but nevermind!) and I hope she can engage the country in achieving this aim. Rhetoric is easier than practice however and many changes need to be made sooner rather than later if this possibility is to be made a reality.

Read more here - Big thanks to Frog Blog for the tip off!