Category: General

A Sunday poem

I’m really intrigued by the possibilities of art to get people thinking about climate change and how it relates to them. Professor James Renwick will be exploring this with part of the Prime Minister’s Science Communication prize, and is already involved with the Track Zero project which is taking art all around New Zealand to spark conversations.

I saw Jordan Hamel perform this poem last night, and he made us laugh and think. The ending’s a kicker.

Do you know of any other artists working on climate change topics? Would love to hear about them.

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The challenge of climate change – why language matters

I was heartened to see recent research released by EECA that shows more than 80% of New Zealanders believe we need to do something about climate change, whether that is business, government or individuals. And I think that it is time we examined the language we use when we talk about climate change.

Continue reading “The challenge of climate change – why language matters”

We are all climate heroes

I’ve been thinking for a while now that there must be more to fighting climate change than just taking public transport and using energy-efficient lightbulbs. Even if you don’t work on policy, innovation or frontline campaigning, there are five things you can do to make a bigger difference.

I want this to be the start of some real hope in New Zealand that climate change is a challenge we can meet, and by doing our part, inspire the world.

Article originally published on Stuff.

Continue reading “We are all climate heroes”

What is Common Climate?

Telling positive stories about climate action can help encourage people to take action.

…what we’re doing on climate change – it is just that much harder, because it’s a call to action for everyone. And so I’m hoping we can get to the place of having that same unified moment that we had around nuclear free for climate change.

– The New Zealand Prime Minister, The Right Honorable Jacinda Ardern, speaking to The Spinoff

News coverage of climate change can sometimes feel overwhelming, triggering fear and anger. But there are positive stories in the midst of this, of governments, organisations and businesses taking action to reduce their emissions. These large-scale changes are necessary to bring about a long-term reduction.

As an individual, what can you do to influence these changes? More than you know. You are a voter, a customer, and a member of a community. All of these roles give you power.

He waka eke noa – the canoe which we are all in without exception.

Common Climate aims to bring people together to spread messages of hope and action to meet the challenge of climate change. If you have expertise in climate science, communications, psychology, mātauranga Māori or other relevant disciplines, you could help inspire New Zealanders to take action on climate change.

Get in touch if you want to be involved.