While the latest research released by EECA(external link) (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) — the agency that backs Gen Less, shows that New Zealanders, as a whole, aren’t making enough impact on climate change, there are still many great examples of climate responses happening all across the country.

EECA's Jo Bye says, "The research we released last month showed one in five adults aren't completely convinced that climate change is real – but that means that 80% of us are. And we know there is amazing mahi going on across the country to take responsibility and tackle the crisis".

For the next year, Gen Less will highlight that work as part of its Right Side of History campaign, spotlighting actions, big and small, that will reduce our energy-related emissions. The ongoing campaign will celebrate action underway, and create a lasting record of our response to the crisis.

Jonathan Coppard and friends move his entire flat in Wellington, using only cargo bikes..
Jonathan Coppard and friends move his entire flat in Wellington using only cargo bikes - one of many climate responses featured in the campaign.

Jo Bye said, “COP26 began in Glasgow on October 31st, and the results from this summit will no doubt be seen as a pivotal moment in the world’s response to climate change. The need to act only keeps getting more urgent, and it will take all of us to do it.

“We know that it can seem overwhelming to know where to start, and that our actions are insignificant. But every energy emission that we avoid adds up. And the more we normalise climate friendly behaviour, the more momentum we create for everyone else to join us.”

Every two months, new organisations and people will feature in the campaign to highlight what’s possible.

“We’re blown away by what people are doing all across the motu. In this first phase of the campaign, we’re showcasing people living car-free, low-carbon emissions farming, and climate positive skincare. We’re celebrating the Southern Hemisphere’s first electric ferry, which will give Wellingtonians new public transport choices across the Harbour, and congratulating Hayden Paddon, who’s pushing the boundaries of rallysport and has just won his first competition in his EV, racing against traditional vehicles."

— Jo Bye

“We really want to hear from people across the country - organisations, community groups, iwi, schools – anyone who’s tackling their energy-related emissions. We want to celebrate that work and build a lasting record of how Aotearoa answered the call to fight climate change.”