The Green Myth

EN-Zed’s clean/green image is mythical. Yes, the rivers run clear and yes there is pristine wilderness, yes there is minimal traffic and air pollution except in 2-3 cities, and yes New Zealanders have disavowed and disallowed nuclear submarines and genetically modified foods. However, much of Aotearoa'’s cleanliness and greenliness is an accidental by-product of low population density. Most of the native forest is gone, a process initiated by Maori and drastically accelerated by the Europeans. Favorite pastimes often involve fuel and engines, such as farm bikes, 4-wheeling, and adrenaline sports including jet-boating and sky-diving. In homes, insulation is not used, and the preferred method of heating many (most?) Dunedin homes is firewood, and many people even burn coal, which produces acrid smoke. On still winter days, a smoky haze hangs over the city. On summer days when the wind blows hard from the north, sea water at the local beach becomes contaminated from the sewage outfall pipe, which is currently being relocated further off shore. Batteries are thrown in the trash, as is common in the USA but unheard of in Europe, where folks understand the impact of heavy metals in the water supply. Many Kiwis appreciate the gift they hold and want to regrow native forests, maintain air and water quality, etc. Population pressure will eventually force the issue, as has happened in Europe and to a lesser extent in the USA. I hope that changes are made here (protection of water/air quality, improved public transport, etc) before that point is reached. Jared Diamond's Collapse has made me acutely aware that, beyond esthetics, a given society’s survival depends heavily on shepherding it’s resources. Given Kiwi awareness, and government ability to mandate change, New Zealand can emerge into reality as a truly “green” nation when the challenge of population pressure is felt nationwide, not just in Auckland.