David Hay

Party: Greens

Electorate: Epsom

On what the government should be doing to deal with climate change

Hay does not believe we are doing enough – he thinks that bringing agriculture into the ETS is key. He says the current government is denying reality – the world is changing and we need to change with it, and the faster the better. He says the Green party originally supported a carbon tax, but are committed to improving the ETS. They also support the Coal Action Coalition – “keep the coal in the hole” – “it’s pretty simple” – if you aren’t burning it, you aren’t putting the emissions into the atmosphere.

On the emissions trading scheme

Hay does not think the ETS is an equitable system. He says in theory it provides the right incentives, but in practise is a bit of a “money-go-round”, and is a way of “buying out of the commitment to do what is necessary”. He says we need to put a hard cap on emissions, and price within that.

On fossil fuels and renewable energy

Hay believes developing New Zealand’s clean energy industries is a way forward both “economically and environmentally”. He says we have great geothermal energy, wind energy, hydro energy and potentially tidal energy. He absolutely supports the call for a government plan to attain 100% renewable energy by 2050.

On government support for the research and development of green technologies in New Zealand

Hay says New Zealand should promote research and development of clean energy technologies so that we can sell them on the international market.

On public transport and new roads

Hay supports a reallocation of transport spending away from roads. He says we need to shift our investment focus into public transport – which will be more productive than our current investment focus and be “the best thing for us in the future”.

On reducing our emissions as a community

Hay says using the price of oil, as something that everyone understands, is a good way of reaching out to people about this issue, rather than just talking about climate change, which not everyone understands. He says young people need to get out there and do everything they can – write letter to MPs, join groups like 350.org and Generation Zero, find out what they personally can do and do it!

I support increased Government investment in transitioning to a zero carbon economy.

I would advocate for strengthening the ETS to make it more equitable and effective.

I believe lignite and currently undeveloped coal reserves should be left in the ground.

I believe renewable energy is our future and Government should plan for 100% renewable energy by 2050.

I support increased national spending on low-carbon and public transport initiatives.

As an elected MP, I would actively engage with my electorate on climate change.

I believe the Government should set a strategic direction for our country to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Great work guys, keep it up!”