Forest & Bird Tag: Climate change

black tomtit on "ACT climate change campaign"

black tomtit — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:48:04 +0000

I would be furious if I had received a flyer like that. ACT is a menace to the environment and our country as a whole. You should have turned up on your bike and challenged them at the meeting. I wonder why you got them and others didn't. The IPCC is vital and needs more teeth.

black tomtit on "NZ wins 'Fossil of the Day' award"

black tomtit — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:12:11 +0000

I have said it before and will say it again. We were an environmentally friendly country in the 1980s but since 2000 there seems to be a backlash against the environmental movement. I have noticed more and more anti environmental letters to the editor and at university I overheard another student say there was no such thing as global warming as well as anti 1080 stickers stuck up around the campus. What do overseas tourists think when they come here thinking the country is a land of environmentalists only too see the wildlife being attacked by dogs and beaten to death by vandals. Such an event happened in November last year when tourists to the Catlins saw yellow eyed penguins being dragged up the beach by a huge rottweiler that was not allowed on that beach. In my opinion the tourists should take a photo of the carnage or film it to get evidence against the attackers. Al Gore said in An Inconvienient Truth that yellow eyed penguins are threatened by global warming and are in the throws of another disease, avian diptheria which could be because of the warming. As for Russia it has always been a rogue nation for the environment and it is disappointing to see it ratify Kyoto and then have its emissions fly up again.

black tomtit on "Action for Climate Change - Join in!"

black tomtit — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:20:20 +0000

Brilliant cartoon. It sums the lack of political will to do anything. Many species here in NZ are threatened by climate change including tuatara, rock wrens, yellow eyed and rockhopper penguins and sea lions. I personally have noticed the weather getting weirder. More thunderstorms, more torrential rain, fewer sunny days in summer, stronger winds. These are making it harder for me to go out and look for wildlife and even Christmas shopping. The only place that has reduced its emissions is Europe. Why doesn't the rest of the world emulate what Europe has done including more trams electric trains, solar power, and car free streets. Rising bus fares and a poor quality bus service in Dunedin which is where I live is making the problem worse by encouraging more vehicles put on the road. Again our right wing government is doing nothing to restore our clean green image. As for the mentioned species will they be left to die out?

maungawhau on "ACT climate change campaign"

maungawhau — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:30:52 +0000

I got an ACT flyer in the letter box this morning inviting me to "rise up against the ETS" ... because of "scandal after scandal at the top" of the UN's IPCC, "global fraud" and "grossly-overstated man-made global warming". They have 6 public meetings in the next week - 5 Auckland and 1 in Christchurch. My pamphlet deliverer seems to have made a statement about how important it was to broadcast this important message. I got 14 copies. Though that did deprive 13 other households of the laughs I got this morning. Hmmmh. Two of the meetings are within range of my bicycle ...

iain.frengley on "Conservation films: roadshow on now"

iain.frengley — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:14:23 +0000

And a good south wind sprung up behind The albatross did follow And every day for food or play Came to the mariners hollo'.......

iain.frengley on "Conservation films: roadshow on now"

iain.frengley — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:06:50 +0000

We've had an amazing start to the road trip - Thanks to all the people who have turned out to support homegrown documentary filmmakers. The first two screenings went off to full cinemas in Wellington and Raglan - a new record for the old school theatre! Set to be a great event at Elam School of Fine Arts Monday the 25th 6.30pm Hope to see you there! Check out a trailer for Plato's Cave here ; <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/8482170" rel="nofollow">http://www.vimeo.com/8482170</a>

Kirstie on "Conservation films: roadshow on now"

Kirstie — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:48:21 +0000

And Auckland... Monday 25th January, 6:30pm Entry - gold coin donation Elam Lecture Theatre, Building 431, 20 Whitaker Place Elam School of Fine Art, University of Auckland

Kirstie on "Conservation films: roadshow on now"

Kirstie — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:41:53 +0000

Dates for Opotiki now up:

Kirstie on "Conservation films: roadshow on now"

Kirstie — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:37:34 +0000

For more info visit their web site: <a href="http://www.splashroom.co.nz" rel="nofollow">www.splashroom.co.nz</a>

Kirstie on "Conservation films: roadshow on now"

Kirstie — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:36:34 +0000

Forest & Bird is proudly supporting Dunedin's up and coming young conservation film makers as they embark on an exciting and unique roadshow. Recently graduated film makers at 'Splashroom media' are kicking off their tour this month in Wellington. Check out the line up below (Wellington and Raglan fliers) and get in touch if you'd like to help them host a screening near you.

Tawaki on "Forests and Climate Change"

Tawaki — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:02:15 +0000

Don't worry about climate change folks...David Bellamy is telling the world (while he swans around at Luxury Lodges admiring the dead heads of animals nailed on the walls) that it is "Poppycock" anyway. <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10616989&pnum=2" rel="nofollow">http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10616989&pnum=2</a>

clairegreen on "Forests and Climate Change"

clairegreen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:30:11 +0000

The (!!) heat really needs to go on Australia and the USA for thier pathetic contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Australia is paralysed because the greedy gross polluters (National/Liberals and the Upper House) don't want to support an Australian Emissions Trading Scheme. The USA has announced that its target is a pathetic 4% cut in USA emissions. Gavin is spot on but what we do in NZ is not enough if Australia and the USA don't pull their weight. Earth Killers or Good Mates??

Gavin on "Forests and Climate Change"

Gavin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:50:54 +0000

Our very own tuatara could be one of the first creatures to face extinction due to climate change, because the sex of its offspring is dependant on the temperature at which its eggs are incubated. With rising temperatures, all tuatara are being born male. Our forests and other native vegetation play a vital role in helping combat climate change, acting as ‘carbon sinks’. Forest plants and trees store carbon, offsetting the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere. By looking after our forests and other native vegetation better through pest control, recognition of their contribution in government policy on climate change, and reforestation, we can help combat climate change. We also need to do more to make sure the sectors that create most greenhouse gas emissions take their fair share of responsibility. Agriculture produces nearly half of all New Zealand’s emissions, and must do more to reduce its impact on climate change. Forest & Bird believes the government must set a target for New Zealand to reduce emissions by at least 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. If we don’t act now, up to one-third of the world’s land-based species could be extinct in 50 years.

auckland anne on "Copenhagen Climate Scoreboard"

auckland anne — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:45:07 +0000

When I first saw this cartoon... <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10614054" rel="nofollow">http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10614054</a> I thought it was taking the subject a bit lightly. But in hindsight, I guess this is how the procrastination about the validity of climate change could be viewed by an outsider who's looked at the way we've gone over the past couple of decades.

Kirstie on "Copenhagen Climate Scoreboard"

Kirstie — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:14:18 +0000

Another really useful place to check out Copenhagen progress (or lack of).... visit our international partner -Birdlife: <a href="http://www.birdlife.org/climate_change/" rel="nofollow">http://www.birdlife.org/climate_change/</a> Lots of interesting fact sheets as well as up-to-date news from the event.

Kirstie on "Copenhagen Climate Scoreboard"

Kirstie — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:05:47 +0000

Some clever peeps in the UK have designed a Climate Scoreboard to help us all monitor progress (or lack of) at Copenhagen and the resulting global temperatures in 2100. Check it out at: <a href="http://climateinteractive.org/scoreboard" rel="nofollow">http://climateinteractive.org/scoreboard</a> The green is where we need to be - 1.5 degrees C Yellow is where we'll be if we continue with business as usual - 4.8 degress C Blue is where we'd be based on today's Copenhagen proposals - 3.8 degrees C

Kirstie on "Antarctic not seen the worst yet"

Kirstie — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:09:42 +0000

A new report published earlier this week in the UK suggests that Antarctica has yet to experience the full effect of today's climate change influences. The report states that for the last 30 years, the ozone hole has shielded the bulk of the Antarctic from the effects of “global warming”. What is noted however is that: - The Southern Ocean is warming – the ecosystem will change - There has been a rapid expansion of plant communities across the Antarctic Peninsula - Parts of the Antarctic are losing ice at a rapid rate - Sea ice has increased in extent over the last 30 years as a result of the ozone hole - Paleoclimate studies in Antarctica show that the current shock to global climate is unusual - Marine ecosystem components, such as krill and penguins, linked to the sea ice show a clear response to climate change - Assuming a doubling of greenhouse gas concentrations over the next century, Antarctica is expected to warm by around 3ºC - West Antarctica could make a major contribution to sea level rise over the next century - Improved representation of polar processes is needed in models to produce better predictions For more info and to download the whopping 20mb report follow this link: <a href="http://sciblogs.co.nz/hot-topic/2009/12/05/antarctic-science-review-greening-and-melting/" rel="nofollow">http://sciblogs.co.nz/hot-topic/2009/12/05/antarctic-science-review-greening-and-melting/</a> Protection of our Antarctic wilderness is a priority for Forest & Bird's international work. With activities in antarctica building each year, this report should sound another warmning bell that action and protection is needed now!

clairegreen on "Ocean Acidification"

clairegreen — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:08:43 +0000

Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.............does anyone else see the extreme irony in Australia being at 6's and 7's over reducing carbon emissions yet it is the guardian of some of the world's greatest marine treasures and is destroying these treasures. The Australian Opposition and the Australian Senate should hang its head in shame for rejecting any political progress by Australia on climate change, I understand that Australia is per capita the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases....even more than the USA. Earth Killers or Good Mates?

brent on "Ocean Acidification"

brent — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:37:21 +0000

on the other hand, it looks like the ocean might not be the infinite sponge for carbon that we all might assume it would be <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/science/earth/19oceans.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/science/earth/19oceans.html</a> so maybe the fish are safer than we thought. of course that means more of it will be left in the atmosphere unless we get smart fast and decide to leave more of it in the ground ;-)

Kirstie on "Ocean Acidification"

Kirstie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:12:33 +0000

New research, reported by World BBC, suggests that another threat of ocean acidification is the alteration of fish behaviour. Check it out - fish may become 'attracted' to their predators!! <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8369453.stm" rel="nofollow">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8369453.stm</a> Come on Copenhagen - where's Ocean Acidification on the Agenda?!?

kukupa on "Dog v SUV: a nice (readable) deconstruction"

kukupa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:44:58 +0000

Another reason to feed them possum carcasses!

Helen on "Dog v SUV: a nice (readable) deconstruction"

Helen — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:17:39 +0000

Anyway, it is difficult to say a dog has a bigger footprint than an SUV when SUVs vary so enormously in fuel efficiency and emissions (depends on size, age, model petrol or diesel and so on). A new, medium-sized diesel SUV would have lower emissions than many of the decrepit old Japanese imports that so many holier-than-thou conservationists get about in, trailing blue smoke behind them. I guess the dogs would vary enormously as well!

brent on "belief in climate change = religion? so says UK judge"

brent — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:49:10 +0000

<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/03/tim-nicholson-climate-change-belief" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/03/tim-nicholson-climate-change-belief</a> an interesting read, if this stands it will create a new context around environmentalism and rights of the environment and environmentalist alike.

brent on "Dog v SUV: a nice (readable) deconstruction"

brent — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:45:14 +0000

<a href="http://daily.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2009/11/02/dogs-vs-cars" rel="nofollow">http://daily.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2009/11/02/dogs-vs-cars</a>

BORHAN on "Emissions Trading Scheme attacks conservation values"

BORHAN — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:20:47 +0000

In the tropical rain forests (TRF) of Southeast Asia, the Ficus spp. had been traditionally regarded as pest plants and they are eradicated in order to reduce competition against the more valuable merantis (Shoreas) and other tropical hardwoods. But Ficus is now saved and not killed because it was argued that they provide refuge and fruits for the wildlife (and birds). Professional forest management in Malaysia and Indonesia had long accepted and adapted to this change in approach. I believe the same thinking should also be adopted by NZ foresters when it comes to dealing with the wilding pine question. You will have to somehow adapt to the new "ruling" and try to make the best of the situation.

BORHAN on "Climate change talks - updates from Bangkok"

BORHAN — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:31:11 +0000

I believe Japan, but not Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. In any case it was a good rhetoric by the Indons. Corruption, political oppression and power abuse are the first things these countries must tackle, eradicate and overcome before they start talking about climate change and promising to control GHG emissions. Lets hope the younger leaders in these countries and elsewhere would bring in new ideas and more resolute in their management of the economy and more conscious of the environment. That will take time nevertheless.

BORHAN on "NZ wins 'Fossil of the Day' award"

BORHAN — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:20:24 +0000

Australia truly deserves that "award". But I sympathise with New Zealand. Anyone who had been to New Zealand would have nothing but praise the beauty of the countryside and the excellent climate. Understandably, once you were at the forefront, it is not easy to remain there as people continue looking at you and make you as the benchmark. But New Zealand is indeed an amazing country.

Kirstie on "NZ wins 'Fossil of the Day' award"

Kirstie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:37:05 +0000

Oh dear - two fossil awards in one day. New Zealand really is not selling itself well on the international claimate change scene :( Below follows the latest ECO from Bankok. ECOs are produced at international meetings by NGO observing the meeting. They have been an institution since the 1970s. Kiwi Trickery New Zealand received a Fossil yesterday for threatening that unless it has access to unlimited offsets, it will reduce its target to zero. In doublespeak: unless New Zealand is allowed to avoid having to reduce its emissions, it will refuse to reduce its emissions. This prompted ECO to find out more about New Zealand’s "special" national circumstances that have led to such an irresponsible point of view. At a time when the rest of the world is working out how to reduce emissions, New Zealand seems to be working out the fastest way possible to go in the opposite direction. It has increased fossil fuel subsidies, raided the public transport budget to build new roads, abandoned its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, removed a partial ban on coal fired power stations and is even considering drilling for oil in the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. In fact, while negotiators meet in Bangkok, New Zealand’s Parliament is considering plans to convert its emissions trading scheme into an intensity-based scheme with no cap. So there you have it. New Zealand’s "special" national circumstance is a thorough commitment to raising emissions. ECO borrows from New Zealand’s national tourism branding to have the last word. New Zealand’s national circumstances are 100% pure .... For other climate talk ECOs see <a href="http://www.climatenetwork.org/eco/" rel="nofollow">http://www.climatenetwork.org/eco/</a>

Kirstie on "NZ wins 'Fossil of the Day' award"

Kirstie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:47:18 +0000

And another! See Climate Change Action Thread.

Kirstie on "Climate change talks - updates from Bangkok"

Kirstie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:46:17 +0000

We've won another one..... :( check out blog from our F&B pal Geoff Keey - now working with Greenpeace: Climate Talks: NZ, forever fossil Thursday, 1 October 2009, 5:17 pm Column: Geoff Keey New Zealand got Fossil of the Day at the UN climate talks in Bangkok today after revealing that the Government’s 10% to 20% target is actually a nothing to 20% target. The Government’s Climate Change ambassador Adrian Macey admitted as much yesterday. It’s not actually Ambassador Macey’s fault that New Zealand got this dubious award. It’s just another example of why the Government needs to give negotiators like him a new mandate to stand up for the planet, rather than instructing them to protect the interests of New Zealand’s big polluters. The reason New Zealand’s negotiators are taking a hard line on conditions is simple. The Government is trying to avoid the problems New Zealand faces in having such a hopeless climate change policy. With an emissions trading scheme that will encourage New Zealand’s greenhouse gas pollution to increase, New Zealand will have to rely on forest planting and buying offshore credits to meet its international climate change commitments. That’s why New Zealand’s conditions relate to forestry and international carbon markets (where governments buy credits to allow businesses, and each of us, to pollute). Without those conditions, the Government would have to tell polluters to cut back on their pollution, something it’s keen to avoid.