At 1pm this Wednesday, the Greenstravaganza SRC meeting will descend on Mount Street Bar the likes of which has never been seen. It’s purpose is to pass some motions regarding climate action and social justice. But we need 50 students to do this; therefore we need you.
Firstly, WTF is a VUWSA SRC? It is a Student Representative Council Meeting for the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association, What The Fuck. This is where at least 50 students can get together and pass motions telling VUWSA what to do.
So, WTF will be motioned?
The first motion will be asking VUWSA to publicly support the Sign On and 350 campaigns. The second is asking VUWSA to become fair trade, and lobby for the University to do likewise. After that there may even be other Greenstravaganzalicious motions.
So, WTF are the Sign On and 350 campaigns?
The Sign On campaign is calling for a 40% emissions reduction target for New Zealand by 2020. This target is based on what the latest science says is necessary to keep climate change from being catastrophic. It’s also based on what is New Zealand’s fair share of global emissions reductions. Currently our Government has only proposed a 10-20% target. Sign On needs all the help it can get if we are to see those embarrassing 10-20% Pure New Zealand posters removed and NZ’s image restored.
Many top climate scientists, including James Hansen from NASA, are saying 350ppm (parts per million) is the maximum safe concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Enter the 350 campaign. Currently we are at 386ppm, and increasing by about 2ppm per year. A 40% target will help us get back to 350.
And fair trade? WTF?
Fair trade means giving the producers of products we love decent wages, decent working conditions, and investing in environmental sustainability. Only certain companies make certified fair trade products – many sadly don’t. For Victoria to become a fair trade University VUWSA must support it, the University must support it, and fair trade products must be readily available. We’re already quite close – many cafés already supply fair trade coffee. Now it’s time to take the next step and get VUWSA on board.
Ever wanted to feel like you’re making a difference? Well, this Wednesday you can. All you have to do is show up to Mount Street Bar at 1pm and put up your hand. Greenstravatastic.
Zachary Dorner
Environmental Officer for VUWSA