Submission on the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill
September 2024
Student Christian Movement Aotearoa (SCMA)
Tēnā koutou Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee:
We are writing on behalf of the Student Christian Movement Aotearoa, a progressive Christian group active within tertiary institutions across the Motu, to express our grave concerns about the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill and the detrimental effects we believe it will have on both the planet and its inhabitants.
As Christians, we are called to seek out and show compassion to all people. This call to care extends not only to our fellow humans but to the entire created world. Decisions that impact the environment, including the continued exploration and extraction of fossil fuels, are deeply concerning in light of the climate crisis we face. We particularly note that marginalised communities experience the worst of climate change effects, not only here in Aotearoa but across the Pacific and the wider globe.
Continuing to pursue new oil and gas drilling is not only inconsistent with scientific consensus but threatens the future of our environment. This approach directly contradicts the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the damaging effects of climate change. The potential harm to our oceans, through oil spills and seismic blasting, risks devastating our marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
As members of the Christian community, we believe in the need to protect and preserve the Earth for future generations in line with our shared responsibility as kaitiaki of creation. We strongly urge the government to reconsider its support for policies that further entrench our reliance on fossil fuels, and instead prioritize a just transition to clean energy solutions.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Michael Toy
publictheologian@scm.org.nz
Public Theologian
Student Christian Movement Aotearoa