A city councillor in Christchurch sparked controversy during a debate on fossil fuels when she suggested that extracting oil from the ground may be linked to an increase in earthquakes. Innes Ward councillor, Pauline Cotter, made the remark during discussions about signing a treaty to limit the use of fossil fuels.
During the debate on the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty initiative, Cotter raised the question of whether the city’s seismic activity could be influenced by the extraction of oil from the ground. Her comment caught the attention of her council colleagues, including Deputy Mayor Victoria Henstock, who appeared visibly surprised by the connection Cotter made between oil extraction and earthquakes.
The exchange between Cotter and Henstock was captured on camera and shared on social media by former community board member Ali Jones. Jones described Cotter’s comment as “absolutely mind-boggling” and highlighted Henstock’s reaction to the statement.
Cotter’s unique contribution to the discussion drew a mix of reactions from viewers, with some finding humor in the situation and others expressing disbelief at the connection drawn between oil extraction and seismic events.
Despite the controversy, city councillors ultimately voted to endorse the non-binding initiative, with nine votes in favor and eight against.
