Know your stuff
Speak with strength by learning about energy, emissions and climate change.
Learn more about climate change in New Zealand
Understand the language of climate change
Other credible websites to check out
- Ministry for the Environment — The government agency responsible for climate change policy. MfE(external link)
- NIWA — Things we can do to combat climate change, individually and collectively. NIWA(external link)
- NASA — Multi-media resources documenting and explaining the effects of climate change. NASA(external link)
- The Forever Project — A portal for climate change news by Stuff. The Forever Project(external link)
- Climate Action Tracker — Track progress towards emissions reduction across the world. CAT(external link)
- United Nations — Updates on climate action across the globe. United Nations(external link)
- From the Beehive — Government announcements related to climate change. From the Beehive(external link)
Share the wins
Telling others what you're doing differently feels good, and it's one of the most important things you can do for climate change.
Chat, post, share – you’re an influencer
Your friends and whānau are much more likely to listen to you talk about ways to reduce emissions than a stranger on TV. So when you take steps to live Gen Less, tell them what you’re doing and why. Every chat has a ripple effect that inspires more conversations and actions. Small changes by many people add up to make a big difference.
The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality.
Ways to share the wins
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Post your pics
Bike to work day? Meat-free Monday? Flight-free holiday? Show others how achievable climate action is by sharing it on social media.
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Loop in businesses
Brand reputation is important to organisations. Jump on their social media pages to cheer on low-emissions initiatives (or respectfully point out opportunities).
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Use climate hashtags
Build a global voice for lower emissions by using hashtags on public social media posts, like #carbonfriendly, #sustainability or #GenLess.
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Share resources
When you find cool climate-friendly events, ideas or websites, spread the word. Keep it positive – you don't want to put people off.
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Join our conversations
Gen Less is on Instagram and Facebook – great places for sharing tips and ideas for a low carbon future. Follow us on facebook.com/genlessnz and instagram.com/genlessnz
Get amongst it
Inspire action at the top – tell leaders what’s important to you.
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Vote
Elections are your chance to have a say about who represents you on issues you care about. Research candidates and party views, then:
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Contact your MP
Members of parliament (MPs) represent the views and concerns of New Zealanders. Contact your local MP – or meet them in person.
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Be an active consumer
Businesses want to keep you happy. If you see a chance for them to reduce emissions – like using electric cars or switching off lights – let them know.
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Sign a petition
A simple, effective way to influence climate-related decisions and action. Most are online, so it’s easy to share on social media and encourage others to sign too.
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Use your local council
Climate change is a priority for most councils. Tell them what action you want, from public transport to flood control. Comment on the annual plan, contact your local councillor or attend a meeting.
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Make a submission
When climate change issues are to be considered by parliament, make a submission. If you agree with an organisation, you may be able to use its text or template.
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Join engagement processes
Local government and government agencies often seek feedback on their plans before making decisions. Organisations’ social media or newsletters will keep you in the loop.