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Could The Canterbury Region Become Carbon Positive?
By Nick Marsh
The “REAL NEW DEAL” symposium in Christchurch was convened by the HILLARY LEADERSHIP Institute. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together, by invitation, a number of key stakeholder groups in Christchurch to explore the implications of a carbon positive region. The groups included: professional services such as Buddle Findlay, Deloittes, KPMG, as well as business organisations, city governance and NGO’s.
A number of local and international speakers provided provocations, which explored different aspects of the climate change challenge for Canterbury. “Carbon Positive” was defined as the outcome if the Canterbury economy was able to “make a profit” from the way its carbon footprint was managed.
Jeremy Legget opened the symposium from London by arguing persuasively that the world is facing the challenge and opportunity of a “Real New Deal”. The potential is to address three inter-dependent problems. Firstly the global banking melt down and resulting recession. Secondly the shape of a new post-Kyoto carbon agreement and thirdly, the Peak Oil debate, in which it is suggested that oil production will reduce much faster than was previously thought.
Nick Marsh presented an overview of Denmark and Copenhagen, which in many ways has already achieved a carbon positive status. He explained that Denmark is about the same land area as Canterbury region and for the last thirty years has transformed its economy by pursuing the quest to minimise its dependency on imported oil. This quest has had a number of effects, including making Denmark the world leader in wind generation technology. It also has spawned technology innovation in a number of other renewable issues; including water management, low energy housing and the reduction of animal emissions in agriculture.
Rod Oram spoke of the particular challenges and opportunities for New Zealand to use innovation, particularly in solving the animal emissions issue. spoke about Project Litefoot, which has inspired a number of celebrity sports stars in New Zealand to adopt changes in their personal lifestyle that reduce their own carbon footprint. This in turn is a source of inspiration to families who can see how relatively easy it is to do.
Melissa Clarke Reynolds, who described herself as a serial entrepreneur, gave a personal perspective on how the issues of environmental well-being and climate change have evolved in New Zealand. Contributions were also made by Ngai Tahu and Mr Levy exploring the challenge of people adopting a stance of courageous versus mediocre leadership.
The symposium ended with each group reporting on a series of carbon positive initiatives, which they had each explored with other groups. It is intended to urgently pursue some of these initiatives over the next few months. For more information contact Nick Marsh at nick.marsh@nextcorporation.net, or Mark Prain at mark@tippingpoint.co.nz.