More Hawke's Bay families ditching the car for transport alternatives like cycling have been attributed to a decrease in household emissions across the region. Photo / Paul Taylor
More Hawke's Bay families ditching the car for transport alternatives like cycling have been attributed to a decrease in household emissions across the region. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hawke's Bay greenhouse gas emissions are still increasing in bad news for the region's fight against climate change. But is a decrease in household emissions, helped by more cycling a light at the end of a long tunnel. Gianina Schwanecke reports.
Agriculture is to blame for greenhouse gas emissions risingagain in Hawke's Bay.
Across the region, emissions rose 1.2 per cent in 2019. When compared to a national increase of 2.1 per cent, it's not awful.
Hawke's Bay had the ninth highest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 359 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 19 tonnes of emissions per person.
Unfortunately, one of Hawke's Bay's largest earners is also its largest emitter.
Agriculture (including horticulture and fruit growing; grain, sheep and beef farming, and dairy farming) accounts for 72 per cent of Hawke's Bay's emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (C02-e).
About 62 per cent, or 2031 kilotonnes, related to methane and a further 25 per cent (833 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide.
Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Jim Galloway said it wasn't obvious what had contributed to the increase particular increase that year.
"Farmers are aware of emissions and doing more as time goes on."
Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Jim Galloway was unsure what contributed to an increase in agriculture emissions in 2019 but farmers were more aware and doing more. Photo / NZME
He said increased tree planting in erosion-prone areas was helping with carbon sequestration.
"Most farmers are keen on working towards that."
However, whole-farm forest planting as carbon sinks was a "whole other issue" and bad for rural communities.
Galloway said part-farm plantings were the right way to go, praising support from Hawke's Bay Regional Council through its 'Right Tree Right Place' initiative.
Regional council chief executive James Palmer it was "disappointing" emissions rose but the council was exploring how to plant trees at scale on farms in the region.
He said by putting more trees into the pastoral farming system, it can significantly reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions on the farm.
"Any reductions in stock numbers will be offset by increased farm productivity and profitability."
Regional council chief executive James Palmer it was "disappointing" emissions rose in 2019 and "bold action" was required. Photo / NZME
Palmer said the 2019 data underscored the importance of the community coming together and working to reduce emissions.
"Our regional economic and community wellbeing is completely dependent on a stable climate, it's what we are known for and it's what we love about living in Hawke's Bay.
"But this also means we have everything to lose from more droughts, floods, fires and heatwaves."
Bold action was needed in order to achieve a sustained, long-term cut in emissions, he said.
"The regional council has started the journey [...] and next year will launch an on-demand public transport service."
While ag emissions increased 46 kilotonnes, this was partially offset by a household emissions decrease of 12 kilotonnes, most of which related to transport.
Hastings woman Angela Hannah, of My Ride in Hastings and Taradale, has been cycling for 10 years but bought an e-bike about 18 months ago in preparation for the birth of her daughter Abi.
"I thought when baby comes I want to put a seat on the bike to take her to kindy."
Hastings woman Angela Hannah has been cycling for 10 years but bought an e-bike about 18 months ago in preparation for the birth of her daughter Abi Hannah, now nine months old. Photo / Paul Taylor
The switch for her was about the environment and enjoyment, adding she was already well known for repurposing brown paper to wrap gifts and buying second-hand baby clothes.
"If everyone does their little bit it helps."
She felt there had been an increase since limestone pathways made cycling "easier and safer".
"You definitely notice it when out - there are more people cycling.
"I think lockdown has had a lot to do with it."
Her advice for others thinking about taking it up?
Lara Zidich, also of My Ride in Hastings and Taradale, said there had definitely been an increase in bike sales, cargo bikes and fittings for children were especially popular.
"We certainly have a lot of people interested in buying e-bikes as their second vehicle.
"I think it's going to be a huge focus," she said, adding she didn't see it slowing down anytime soon.
