Power outages, a parrot problem, and the cost of climate action

[padding] [If you are unable to view this message correctly, click here]( [padding] [stuff header]( [spacer] [padding] Hi {NAME}, How much climate change action do you get for $1 billion? It is a question that matters as public consultation begins on Auckland’s proposed ground-breaking targeted rate to accelerate the reduction of [harmful emissions](. The [Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR)]( would raise $574 million from ratepayers over a decade, with the balance coming from hoped-for government funding, and a modelled $127 million fare revenue boost from additional public transport services. The programme of work it would fund is must-do stuff. Accelerating the replacement of diesel buses and ferries with [low or zero carbon versions]( speeding-up improved walking and cycling routes, and planting trees. No question these things must be done. The real question is, how much of a difference does it make to the challenge ahead, and how great is the risk that the [public will perceive CATR]( to be “job done”, and that Auckland is well on its way to halving emissions by 2030. The answer to “what’s the impact of CATR?” is a sobering one, and one that has not been previously made public by the [council.]( “Based on current modelling assumptions, it is estimated that the transport components of the [package could reduce emissions]( by 47,000 tonnes of CO2 over 10 years and 12,000 tonnes CO2 a year in 2032,” said the council in a statement. 47,000 tonnes of carbon sounds like a lot, even over 10 years. But it’s not. Auckland needs to [reduce transport emissions annually, by millions of tonnes.]( Some important qualifications. The council impact number is an early estimate, and is by no means the sum total of its emission reductions work, [both within and outside the CATR programme.]( But it underlines that money on cleaner PT will [help people get out of their cars,]( but will not guarantee that outcome. And that outcome will just scratch the surface. The [64 per cent reduction in transport emissions required by 2030]( will require bold swift and possible unpopular political action. [CATR should happen,]( but we also need to hear when the real action begins. [padding] [user profile pic] [padding] Todd Niall [padding] Senior Stuff Journalist [padding] [spacer] [padding] [See more Auckland news]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Privacy Info]( [spacer] [Privacy Info]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][Watch this video now][spacer] Cyclone Dovi leaves thousands of Aucklanders without power [spacer] [Thousands of electricity customers around the country were left with no power after]( ex-tropical cyclone Dovi brought down trees and damaged power lines. [Wind gusts of over 150kmh led to widespread outages]( across nearly every part of Auckland, and the closure of the [Harbour Bridge]( on Sunday morning. Vector spokesman Marko Simunac said some Aucklanders might not have restored power for a few days because of the [volume of the outages and difficulty accessing some rural areas.]( [spacer] [Read More]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Privacy Info]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] More Auckland stories you might have missed [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Article Image] [spacer] Fears for Auckland's native birds as hundreds of pet parrots escape [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Article Image] [spacer] 'Unknown histories': Highlighting Auckland's past [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [gArticle Image] [spacer] Auckland's 'controversial' HIV hospice [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [gArticle Image] [spacer] Auckland CBD restaurants brace for mass closure due to staff issues [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [padding] [spacer][Support Stuff]( [spacer] [padding] Discover more at [spacer] [stuff logo] [spacer] [www.stuff.co.nz/auckland]( [padding] [spacer][footer bar] [padding] [spacer] You are receving this email because you are a opted in to receive the Your Auckland newsletter from Stuff. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get Your Auckland in your inbox]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand [spacer] [padding]