Greenpeace Braced For ‘Scorched Earth' Budget From Govt
"Given that this Government just legalised killing kiwi, we're bracing for a Scorched Earth Budget," says Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Gen Toop.
Greenpeace has been critical of the Luxon-led Government's anti-environment policies, but says that the PM's war on nature does not have to continue in the 2025 Budget.
Budget 2024 decreased funding for DOC to such an extent that last year the agency was asking for public donations to fund its work and is this year reportedly facing a 30% shortfall for maintaining its hut and track network.
"This Budget is a chance for the Government to change course from its war on nature," says Toop. "It's a chance to invest in climate action, protect biodiversity, and support everyday people with the cost of living - that's what a responsible, future-focused Budget would do."
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"People have a right to clean water, a livable climate, and groceries and power bills they can afford. Any budget that prioritises corporate profits and tax cuts for landlords instead of those basic rights is not the kind of budget we need," says Toop.
Greenpeace says a Budget that truly tackles the climate, biodiversity, and cost of living crises would:
Make a significant investment in distributed solar to bring down power bills, reduce emissions and help communities generate their own energy.
Create an ecological farming fund to support farmers to transition away from intensive dairy and take advantage of the rise in demand for plant-based food.
Bring back Jobs for Nature, funding real employment in the restoration of forests, rivers and wetlands to combat the biodiversity crisis.
Fund it all by taxing corporations and the ultra-wealthy, starting with bringing the country's biggest climate polluter, Fonterra and intensive dairying into the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Since taking the reins, the Government has abolished the clean car discount; forced the Ministry for the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Conservation to cut jobs; canceled the Auckland Light Rail Project; cut public transport subsidies for young people; and steadfastly refused to put agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme.
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Otago Daily Times
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