Speaking at the first event of Generation Zero's ''What's the Holdup?'' nationwide tour on climate change action at the University of Otago last night, Dr Stephenson said there were many opportunities to move beyond fossil fuel use.
''We just need to get on and do it fast.''
While there was plenty of technology out there to help - some used more than others in New Zealand - there was also a need to change people's habits and get them to think and act differently, she said.
Young people would play a key role, as would councils, businesses, innovators and prosumers (those that generate as well as consume energy).
Generation Zero Dunedin campaign organiser Letisha Nicholas said there was a deep consensus around the world for action on climate change and, as a result, many were ''stepping up'' to the challenge.
However, in New Zealand a ''pretty much non-existent'' emissions trading scheme meant there was zero incentive for change, she said.
Added to that was the Government's continued investment in ''uneconomical roads''.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, who opened the event, said the council was constrained by the Government in its approach to reducing fossil fuel use but hoped its proposed energy plan would give the community a chance to talk about what was important to it.
If anything familiar, useful and valued was taken from a community, a better alternative, of more value, had to be found to replace it, Mr Cull said.
''I hope the energy plan can make that offer.''
The tour heads north, stopping in 12 centres before finishing on Waiheke Island on August 6.
