A small North Otago community is taking on the Government over its economic growth policies and the greenhouse gas emissions they will create, leading to a greater threat of climate change.
The Hampden Community Energy Society has challenged Prime Minister John Key to send a team of Cabinet ministers to take on the "Hampden Knights" team to debate the issue.
Society chairman Dugald MacTavish said yesterday the event was planned for November 21 in the Hampden Hall, starting with a dinner then followed by the debate.
"We want to challenge the core principle of Government policy that all growth is good," he said.
He is not sure what reaction he will get, but hopes the Government will be brave enough to attend even though it is a small town leading the charge.
Hampden has put together its own team of experts - journalist and national economics commentator Rod Oram, Canterbury University associate professor Susan Krumdieck and media personality and "sustainability experimenter" Te Radar (Andrew Lumsden).
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton will be chairman.
The challenge letter was sent to Mr Key last week and pointed out scientists' fears that, each time new science emerges, climate change is worse than previously thought.
"One senses genuine alarm amongst increasing numbers of scientists," Mr MacTavish said.
Mr Key was asked to assemble a Government team of three to contest the debate, or a team to "confidently articulate" its reasoning on the subject.
"The main goal will be to kick-start the growth-climate change debate among as many people as possible," Mr Mactavish said.
The Prime Minister's Office yesterday said that once the request had been considered it, would respond directly to Hampden Community Energy.
