I’m always anchored during the busy rush to the end of the year by the knowledge that we’re part of a longer journey. As much as I’d still love to pin a few things on 2024 before starting fresh in the new year, one of the things about working on climate is the knowledge that our efforts can’t be bookended by a calendar year. Don’t get me wrong, the little steps that take our immediate attention are essential to achieving our ambitious long-term goals, but I find it useful to at times take a step back and consider the bigger picture.
Unfortunately, there’s a growing urgency to take bigger and bigger steps to get the ball rolling on key emission reduction strategies, and lock in long-term gains. This month the UN’s Emissions Gap Report painted a sobering picture. We are on track for a 3.1 degree future meaning significantly more flooding events, longer droughts and weather-related disruptions.
The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions due ahead of next year’s COP30 need to cut emissions 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to get on track for 1.5°C.
‘A failure to increase ambition in these new NDCs and start delivering immediately would put the world on course for a temperature increase of 2.6-3.1°C over the course of this century. This would bring debilitating impacts to people, planet and economies,’ the report says.
Next month is groundhog day for Aotearoa’s response, with the expected release of the government’s second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2).
We were highly critical of the draft plan which revealed gross emissions are increasing under current policies, with the plan lacking ambition and failing to grasp the role buildings and construction can have in lowering emissions and improving the resilience of New Zealand's energy system. There remain huge opportunities to embed energy efficiency strategies, improve the health and quality of our homes, and seriously slash material pollution and embodied carbon. We’ll continue to advocate and work with ministers and officials to ensure these are taken up and our sector is supported to take action on climate pollution.
Key to continuing that work is the support of you, our members. Last month we welcomed calls for nominations for our board, and yesterday the key membership contact at your organisation will have received all the formal documentation in preparation for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
It’s an important chance to reflect on the work that’s been done, and ensure we’re in the best position to do our most impactful work going forward. If you’ve never attended one of these before, I’d encourage you to come along and get involved in the process. Not only is it important that you have a voice in our future, but it’s always a wonderful chance to connect with others who share our vision.
As we hurtle towards the Christmas break, I’d encourage you to think about the impact your mahi can have not just on today, but on the days, weeks, months, and years to come. The thing about our industry is that the work we do today shapes the world for generations to come. Let’s make it count.