Urge Mayor Dave Cull to take a stand against coal

On 27-29 May 2019, Dunedin City will play host to the Minerals Forum. Call on Mayor Dave Cull to strengthen the venue hiring policy to rule out the fossil fuel and mining industries from using the city's publicly-owned venues.

The statement of intent between Dunedin City Council and the venue operators, Dunedin Venues states the business should "exhibit a sense of social and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates.” It’s obvious hosting a conference which promotes the expansion of the coal industry is at odds with this statement.

Dunedin City must hold strong on its reputation as a climate leader, and not make compromises for the coal industry.

Dear Mayor Dave Cull,

I’m writing to express my disappointment with the Dunedin City Council hosting the Minerals Forum this year. I urge you to develop a clear set of ethical guidelines to rule out the fossil fuel and mining industries from using the city's publicly-owned venues.

For a city whose most at-risk community also faces coastal erosion and climate-related flooding, I know taking action on climate change is a priority for you and your council. I commend your leadership in your commitment to divest the Waipori Fund from fossil fuels, your leadership in LGNZ in signing the Local Government Leaders' Climate Change Declaration, and the efforts your council went to in calling for a moratorium on oil and gas exploration.

It’s clear you understand the importance of taking a stand against the fossil fuel industry. So it surprises me that your council has agreed to host the Minerals Forum, an event which centres the promotion of coal. When Dunedin City hosts such an event, your reputation serves to support the social license of the coal industry. At this point in the climate crisis, we cannot afford the damage that furthering the interests of the coal industry will cause. We need to throw our full weight behind a fast and just transition to 100% renewable energy for all. This means no new fossil fuels projects.

The statement of intent between Dunedin City Council and the venue operators, Dunedin Venues states the business should "exhibit a sense of social and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates.” It’s obvious hosting a conference which promotes the expansion of the coal industry is at odds with this statement.

As Mayor of Dunedin, you and the Dunedin City Council have a responsibility to take a moral stand on climate change and cut ties with the fossil fuel industry. I urge you to strengthen the Dunedin Venues hiring policy to restrict any conference which promotes the fossil fuel industry from hiring council venues as a matter of principle. A commitment like this would be consistent with your mission and goals, and in the best interest of the people of Dunedin and Aotearoa.

Yours faithfully,

You can edit this text to make it personal to you.

Hi !

We have your contact info saved from last time, just click the button below to continue.

Not ? Sign out

Name*

Email Address*

Country

City*

ZIP Code

Postal Code

Phone (with country code)

Millions of people are taking quick, simple actions for climate justice – be one of them. Can we send you emails about important campaigns, stories, and actions?

Yes, count me in!

No, sorry.

By taking this action, you are agreeing to our terms of service and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Urge Mayor Dave Cull to take a stand against coal

Share

Link

Email