A Christchurch city councillor has raised eyebrows after suggesting earthquakes could be linked to oil being taken out of the ground during a council debate on climate policy.

The comment came as councillors debated a notice of motion to endorse the non-binding Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty initiative, moved by councillor Melanie Coker and ultimately approved by council.

Speaking in support of the motion, councillor Pauline Cotter said the endorsement would demonstrate leadership on climate change and reflect strong community concern raised through recent consultations.

Cotter then questioned whether oil extraction could be connected to seismic activity.

“I wonder if we’re getting more earthquakes because we’re taking all the oil out of the ground,” she said, adding it was her personal question.

The comment drew attention during a debate that otherwise focused on climate change, renewable energy, and whether symbolic commitments delivered real world outcomes.

Coker told councillors the treaty endorsement was non binding and would cost nothing, but would align Christchurch with other cities and countries that had signed on, including Wellington and several Pacific nations such as Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.

She said the move would complement existing climate goals and send a clear message about reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting renewable energy.

“It puts a line in the sand,” Coker said.

Several councillors pushed back, questioning whether signing up to the initiative would achieve anything beyond symbolism.

Councillor Tim Scandrett said, “While in principle I really like this, after seeing America moving to Venezuela, which has the largest reserves of oil in the world, and the recent carve up with regards to the American oil companies in Venezuela, I lose faith when our media don’t cover any of this in detail yet they’ll cover bits and pieces.

“That’s the real problem. That’s the real reason why governments aren’t doing anything because of greed. So I’m actually not going to support this today. I think that we should be sending a message to our government and the United Nations and others that it is time to get serious and stop talking bullshit.”

Coker closed the debate by urging councillors not to shy away from publicly backing principles they already supported in practice.

The motion was put to a vote and passed – 9 votes in favour – 8 against.