The Climate Chap: Dear Reader...

It’s hard to believe that the amazing Mangawhai Focus have been publishing my climate related articles for six months now. I truly appreciate the opportunity that they have given me, and I look forward to providing far more articles on our climate crisis over the coming months.

So, let’s take stock of what’s been going on. In my very first article I mentioned that I was not an expert on anything, not political, and not a scientist, but simply someone who studied climate change extensively in 2020 and was keen to be of assistance to our wonderful community as climate change will inevitably impact all of us over the coming years. I studied climatology for my A levels back in the 60s but we were only just beginning to realise the negative impact on the planet of burning fossil fuels back then.

Studying and researching climate change has been quite a ride. Initially I had concerns as to how difficult it would be to find information, and also interpreting information and making it understandable and interesting for our dear readers – that’s you.

If anything, the opposite has been the case. There is so much information out there that I could make this a full-time job! I have accumulated a wonderful selection of books, subscribed to numerous newspapers, listened to podcasts, regularly accessed a range of international websites, and attend lots of Zoom webinars.

In writing my articles I hope that I come over as being informed, positive and provide information that is accurate and relevant. Climate change is a generational crisis, and much needs to be achieved over the next 30 years, so being positive and addressing necessary changes is needed otherwise things will only get worse, and possibly we may soon all reach a point of no return.

What’s actually motivating me is the challenge that our youngsters are setting us: ‘You knew you were polluting the planet… what did you do to stop this?’ Youngsters around the world understand climate change. To experience the passion and enthusiasm demonstrated on their Friday strike marches is truly motivating.

In response I live a decent “green” lifestyle, but accept there’s always room to change and improve.

My articles fall into two categories – topics of general interest, and articles appealing to you personally to take recommendations on board. We have all grown up with a Kiwi culture and established behaviour. This impacts the environment we enjoy, how we live, how we get around, how we work and how we eat. We all live in a truly wonderful community that bilions of people in less developed countries would consider paradise. Climate change however is encouraging all of us to question our culture and our behaviour and to embrace changes that offer the potential for an improved lifestyle and contribute to limiting climate change here and globally.

When I started running marathons back in the 80s I asked my coach for advice on how best to complete one. ‘One step at a time, and just keep going’ was his instruction! It’s the same with climate change. There are literally dozens of steps that you can take, but it’s important to start now and keep going. My articles present you with lots of steps, but it’s up to you. Everyone on the planet needs to make a contribution to overcoming this global crisis. In New Zealand it’s time for our “team of five million” to beat the crisis, but we are all part of the global “team of seven billion” running this marathon.

An invitation. If you have any questions, just email me and I will do my best to help you. I have been delighted with the feedback from readers over recent months. I have also been invited to give presentations on this subject, and more than happy to meet with any community group if beneficial.

In New Zealand we are incredibly fortunate in having many professional people all contributing to establishing and implementing plans for Aotearoa to overcome the challenges faced by climate change. Politicians, scientists, academics, climatologists and researchers are all contributing enormously. Our Climate Change Commission based in Wellington is simply world class. So the programs being promoted now are incredibly well-researched and validated with our counterparts overseas.

I know it’s a huge ask for you to be willing to change your lifestyle and personal behaviour to contribute to solving this global crisis. But if you are keen to make a difference then writing my articles will have been totally worthwhile and gratifying.

Many thanks for reading my articles.

Climate change is a generational crisis, and much needs to be achieved over the next 30 years.