Apologies

Dear Hon Dr Smith,

Thank you for organising, at very short notice, a chance for the public to pass on our views on the government’s climate change policy (or apparent lack thereof). Sadly here in Wellington there is only one meeting scheduled – for Monday evening, at Te Papa, and I’ll be at home looking after my kids unable to attend. Please accept my apologies.

Nevertheless I’d like to let you know that I think climate change is the most important issue you and your government face.  You must go to Copenhagen with a commitment to cut New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions significantly.  You must also go to Copenhagen with a comprehensive plan for how we are going to meet that target to reduce our emissions.  Greenpeace’s call for a 40 percent reduction in emissions by 2020 seems like a good starting point. I urge you to adopt the strongest measures possible to limit climate change, for the sake of our people, our economy and our planet.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Day