The DCC voted last Monday to pass the Zero Carbon Plan 2030, with a 10 to 5 split between councillors. Not only did they pass the plan, they also opted to take the highest investment option of a cool $137 million for climate action. 350 Aotearoa, a climate crisis action group who pushed strongly for the plan, took the dub, calling it “a big win for the climate.”
On the morning of the vote, a group of 350 Aotearoa campaigners and Green MP Francisco Hernandez stood outside the DCC chambers to encourage councillors to vote in the climate’s interests. OUSA President Quintin Jane and Postgraduate Rep (and recently elected 2024 President) Keegan Wells were at the DCC to submit on the plan. Keegan told Critic Te Ārohi that “it felt a bit silly being in a room explaining why we need to save the environment.”
The plan includes hefty investment in public transport to cut emissions and create more accessibility across Ōtepoti; creating a solar farm on Green Island landfill; transitioning Moana pool and other public buildings from gas to electricity; and supporting households to transition to clean energy. What’s more, it's a “great bragging point” for Ōtepoti, being ahead of national government climate standards and most city councils, said Keegan.
“Today’s decision is a people-powered victory for the air we breathe, the places we call home, and the climate which sustains us,” said Adam, a spokesperson for 350 Aotearoa. With the Zero Carbon Plan passed, now comes the actual mahi of implementing it. Adam told Critic that they’re committed to holding each and every councillor that voted for the plan to account: “Now it’s time for other councils across Aotearoa – as well as the central government – to follow Dunedin’s leadership.” Only time will tell if the plan comes to fruition.