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NZ Not Only 'Clean and Green'

Comment by Larry Ross, June 5, 2007

New Zealand's slogan should be "NZ Clean Green and Nuclear Free". The NZ nuclear free reputation sells NZ tourism and our nuclear radiation-free agricultural products.

The reason for including our nuclear free status is that if NZ becomes contaminated with nuclear radiation our agricultural industries and economy could suffer a mortal blow.

That could happen if we installed nuclear power rectors which had an accident. It could happen if we joined a nuclear alliance like ANZUS and again accepted nuclear warships.

It could happen, and much worse, if NZ gave military support to a US war and the war became nuclear. NZ, as an involved US ally would be considered as an enemy target harbouring US nuclear warships and US spy bases like ' Waihopai and Tangimoana. Once NZ was attacked with one or more nuclear weapons, that would spell immediate death for thousands, and slower death by radiation and burns for more thousands. As well that would be the end of our overseas agricultural sales as few other nations would want to buy radiation-infected meat, milk or butter.

All this could happen so easily if some highly thought of successful individual like Don Brash became NZ Prime Minister and was able to give away our nuclear free policies "by lunchtime" as he promised visiting US senators. It almost happened and could again. The public and NZ politicians are woefully ignorant about nuclear issues and risks and real US policies and usually regard anything to do with the US through rose-tinted glasses.

What is needed is a public educational campaign about nuclear issues and real US nuclear and foreign policy issues, as well as the benefits of our nuclear free policy.

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Environment Day highlights 'one-in-a-generation chance'

On World Environment Day, the message to leaders is clear, says Ministry for the Environment chief executive Hugh Logan.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4083742a11.html, May 5, 2007

New Zealanders want their country to stay clean and green in the face of rising energy consumption and the threat of climate change.

"We have a one-in-a-generation chance to improve standards of living by putting sustainability at the heart of our decision-making," he said.

"The quality of our biological and physical lives are at the heart of who we are as a people and it's at the heart of our economic sustainability."

Human activity had already damaged the planet and climate change could no longer be swept aside as whimsical theory, Logan said.

"We must act sustainable and address the impacts of climate change. We can't turn back the clock, but we can still do something.

"I know it's a well-worn phrase but we must still `think global, act local'."

World Environment Day, initiated by the United Nations, has been celebrated on June 5 since 1972. Each year the day takes a different focus, with past themes promoting awareness of global warming, water issues, desertification and soil degradation. This year's theme is melting ice.

Logan said the past 18 months had seen a shift in attitude to saving the planet, spurred by the Stern report on the economic impact of climate change.

"The message has grown stronger and louder and leaders have recognised this.

"The business sector has gone from positively disagreeing with the idea of climate change to ensuring clean business practices. We need cities and towns that are healthy places for people to live, surrounded by healthy, productive oceans and waterways.

"For that to occur, we have to work together, not in opposition.

"All of us must think about how we live in our daily lives, improving on energy efficiency, the way we manage our waste, our modes of transport and greenhouse gas emissions.

"New Zealand has a fantastic opportunity ahead of us and how we deal with the challenges ahead is vital to New Zealand's economy."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4083742a11.html