We, the people, have the true power over this country. We have the power to create change. This is our land; our children and grandchildren's livelihood. If there is something our government is doing that we do not approve of, we do have the power to change it, together we are unstoppable. Don't waste your' privilege to freedom of speech. There is always another option, another solution.
The New Zealand National Government has been handing out permits to Frack (a method of forcing, usually, petroleum and natural gases out of resevoir rocks deep under ground) and carry out deep sea oil drilling in NZ.
Now, why not do so you may ask? Well, the pro's that have been advertised for this campaign is that it will bring in money and jobs. In response to a question about the huge potential for severe environmental impacts Environment Minister Nick Smith said “We know this and we are putting in place a robust process to protect the environment. We are confident most New Zealanders will support development and the benefits to our economy and job growth if they are satisfied the right safeguards are in place.” Smith also stated that “...the economic potential for New Zealand is great in jobs created and economic returns from mining existing resources and new discoveries.” (excerpt from here). It seems, however that this is a quick-fix solution to some immediate problems but what about the future? How will tapping into our natural resources affect the far future of NZ when we consider climate change and the potential environmental impacts of these projects? Rick Steiner, an independent consultant, and oil industry expert, based in Anchorage, Alaska says "Astonishingly, on some matters, such as the carrying out of environmental impact assessments, New Zealand is even worse than Nigeria,". So are we looking at this option from all angles? The opinion of Greenpeace NZ Ltd., the Green party and many other smaller organisations is that the National government is not serving the best interest of New Zealand, present and future, or the health of the planet as a whole; which we all have a responsibility for. Vanessa Atkinson, Greenpeace New Zealand Climate Campaigner states: "Greenpeace does not believe that deep sea oil exploration can ever be safe. If we are to prevent catastrophic, runaway climate change, the oil industry must not be allowed to open up its last, extreme frontiers, either in the Arctic, or in the deep waters off New Zealand,". Not to mention that we will get less than 5% of the royalties, the oil goes straight overseas and we have no control of the global price of oil no matter how much is found in our coastal waters.
Yesterday protesters from all walks of life were brave enough ,and had the strength to believe in their own power to create change, by handing in 142'000 petitions asking for a clean energy future. I am so proud of all those involved with this protest and so grateful that there are those willing to step up and fight for what we see to be brighter future.
Read more here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10821878
Two great publication from Greenpeace NZ giving a concise explanation as to why they stand against deep sea oil drilling in NZ: http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/Global/new-zealand/P3/publications/climate/Oil%20Factsheet%20FINAL.pdf
and
http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/Global/new-zealand/P3/publications/climate/2011/Greenpeace%20Deep%20Sea%20Oil%20Briefing.pdf
I have tried and failed to find a document or article that concisely explains the governments reasoning behind its actions. I shall keep searching and update this article if I am successful. In the meant time please remember that the contents of this article are my opinions on the matter. I will try to be fair and represent both sides of the situation but please feel free to share your' views with me. However, may I ask that you be fair in your rebuttals and not needlessly reply negatively.
Peace.
