Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social

Writing on climate & the environment at

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

I'm through
leaving the darkling plain
swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight
heading for blue sky

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

The Paris Agreement stocktake: this ship can sink https://t.co/2EACDEQPeR

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

CO2 emissions lowest since 1999, NZ finally on track to meet first carbon budget. But a change of government will kill this progress. https://t.co/fpN4wli0Es

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

Congratulations to ANU, committing to reducing air travel 50% by 2025. "Many members of the ANU leadership team agreed to make their own personal pledges to reduce emissions from their travel." https://t.co/W5NQcdAg90
@cosmicpinot @feraldata @flyingless

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

@robinsonmeyer https://t.co/Olje1w9Hug

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

Conclusion: The National Party's proposal to cancel the Clean Car Rebate (feebate) and weaken the Clean Car (fuel efficiency) Standard would stall progress, miss climate targets, and put new wind and solar projects at risk by killing demand. [4/4]

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

New records set in New Zealand's vehicle market in Sep 2023:
–highest ever monthly market share for EVs in new light vehicles, 27.9% (previous high 23.6%, Dec 2022)
–highest ever 12-month market share for EVs in new light vehicles, 18.5% (Sep 2021, 4.4%; Sep 2022, 12.0%). [1/4]

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

Without the Clean Car Plan, and had the 2019-2021 trend continued, we would not have reached this point until 2033. We have achieved in 20 months what would otherwise have taken 134 months.
Data: https://t.co/56rwr2FHLZ [3/4]

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

@Jamienzherald Hi @Jamienzherald. What is your source that the National Party would "Maintain the Clean Car Standard"? On 9 Feb Simeon Brown said “We will work with the industry to make sure that the standard is... achievable” [i.e., weaken it].

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

“Energy, financial, and climate security all hinge on getting out of fossil fuels... Recycling [ETS] revenue into subsidies is known to be more effective at transforming the economy than the simple price on carbon alone”.

Labour's Climate Manifesto at
https://t.co/nSyg8VqANM

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

Electricity emissions in the 12 months to June were 2.3Mt (max was 10Mt in 2005). Coal, all uses is at 30+ year lows. Emissions from burning fossil fuels for all uses are at their lowest since 1999 and are down 15% in 4 years. (MBIE Energy Quarterly)

[James Shaw @jamespeshaw]

Dear reader, coal imports are at their lowest since 2013.

[Climate News NZ @ClimateNewsNZ]

Election 2023: An open letter to Labour from climate activist Bruce Bisset (via NZHerald) https://t.co/UDBo3yOb6s

[Bill McKibben @billmckibben]

BlackRock could do more to shut down fossil fuel expansion than just about anyone on the planet

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

Barry Commoner, "Ecology and social action", 1974
https://t.co/oVQ53JKwEs

[Vote for Climate NZ @Vote4ClimateNZ]

You're not alone. The majority of New Zealanders are worried about climate change and want stronger action. At this year’s New Zealand general election, we have a huge opportunity to make a difference. Every vote counts.
#VoteForClimateNZ

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

I am speaking at this online event on Thursday 31 August at 12pm (NZT) on "Aerospace, peace, and sustainability". Hope to see you there!
https://t.co/btOjiKw3da

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

Bird of the Century? We have a suggestion.

(Hint: it's not a bird.)

https://t.co/NQtmWKeUaH

[Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social @nzcpe]

@thefutureisrail They are on Craws Road, Linton, Manawatū, part of what remains of the Craw Flaxmill, a thriving industry in the early 20th century.

[Veronika Meduna - is no longer here 🌏 @VeronikaMeduna]

'New roads and expanded highways have historically been a reliable election sweetener, but it is increasingly evident they leave a very bitter aftertaste.' https://t.co/M9bekqSmA0