Zoe Bell

Climate change is not something that needs to be thought over. It is not an issue that needs discussion. It is not a topic that is up for debate. It is undeniable that our climate needs instant attention and we Kiwis need to stand up for our reputation, for our kids and for our planet.

I was disgusted and ashamed when I discovered how detrimental our country's role is in the climate crisis. This needs to change. No North Pole in five years? Can you hear that? This is crazy. What are we going to tell our kids? "Sorry honey, no Santa this year, he's a bit upset we destroyed his home." Not to mention "sorry about the Earth we are leaving you kids, it used to be able to sustain life...."

I live in America. It used to be that 100% of the time I was proud and honoured to be a Kiwi when people mentioned our clean green reputation. If we don’t take action, people won’t be talking about our beautiful environment because there won’t be one to be proud of.