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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Flow-on in biofuel fills dairy pockets - New Zealand rural news on Stuff.co.nz
Climate change hit 'well off' - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz
Brian Rudman: Manukau challenges its neighbours over the rings of fire - 06 Jul 2007 - Volcanoes news - NZ Herald
Brian Rudman: Manukau challenges its neighbours over the rings of fire - NZ Herald
It's been a great week or two for Auckland's volcanoes. First came their listing as one of eight proposed world heritage sites. This coincided with a letter to Auckland civic leaders from Minister of Conservation Chris Carter saying he was "keen to see public agencies working together to ensure the protection of these important landmarks which give Auckland City and its neighbours so much in terms of urban character".
It's been a great week or two for Auckland's volcanoes. First came their listing as one of eight proposed world heritage sites. This coincided with a letter to Auckland civic leaders from Minister of Conservation Chris Carter saying he was "keen to see public agencies working together to ensure the protection of these important landmarks which give Auckland City and its neighbours so much in terms of urban character".
Lobbyists' green speak is double-talk - New Zealand's source for business, stock market & currency news on Stuff.co.nz
NZ going backwards in energy savings, says report - 22 Jun 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand and International Environment News
Carbon emissions of native trees under the microscope - 21 Jun 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news
Proposal and inquiry concerning national policy statement on electricity transmission [Ministry for the Environment]
Proposal and inquiry concerning national policy statement on electricity transmission
Section 48 Resource Management Act 1991.
The Minister for the Environment has prepared a proposed national policy statement on electricity transmission .
The proposal sets out the objective and policies for managing the electricity transmission network under the Resource Management Act. The objective is to recognise the national significance of the electricity transmission network.
Submissions close at 5pm on 25 June 2007.
Section 48 Resource Management Act 1991.
The Minister for the Environment has prepared a proposed national policy statement on electricity transmission .
The proposal sets out the objective and policies for managing the electricity transmission network under the Resource Management Act. The objective is to recognise the national significance of the electricity transmission network.
Submissions close at 5pm on 25 June 2007.
Government to decide on emissions trading within months - 08 May 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand and International Environment News
Antarctic global warming research gets $1m - 08 May 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand and International Environment News
Antarctic global warming research gets $1m - NZ Herald
Environment News
Environment News
New IPCC Smmary for Policymakers
The Working Group III contribution to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report focuses on new literature on the scientific, technological, environmental, economic and social aspects of mitigation of climate change, published since the IPCC Third Assessment Report
The Working Group III contribution to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report focuses on new literature on the scientific, technological, environmental, economic and social aspects of mitigation of climate change, published since the IPCC Third Assessment Report
Environmental Defence Society, Home
Environmental Defence Society
EDS welcomes NZX's "Green Wall Street" proposal (1 May 2007)
Environmental Defence Society welcomed today's news that NZX will seek to position New Zealand as a "Green Wall Street" by creating a carbon exchange.
"EDS is very encouraged by the way the mainstream businesses behind this proposal are responding to the global climate challenge" said Chair Gary Taylor.
Carbon trading is a key part of achieving emission reductions at the least overall cost. Setting up an exchange will help familiarise New Zealand businesses with carbon trading and the need to factor the cost of carbon into decisions.
However Mr Taylor stressed that this move is a complement to government policy, not a substitute for it.
"The Government can now move quickly to implement a comprehensive tradeable permit regime as part of New Zealand's Kyoto response, as EDS advocated in its recent submission on climate change policies. If policy proposals from EDS and others are adopted, Kyoto compliant credits could be trading by next year"
The exchange plans to link with other Asia-Pacific countries. Mr Taylor welcomed this: "International links mean a bigger and more stable market and make it more likely least cost solutions will be found."
Mr Taylor said that he thought there would also be opportunities to link into the European Emission Trading System (ETS) and noted that Australian State Governments are working on an emission-trading scheme.
"Carbon trading is a growing global enterprise and EDS supports this initiative to recognise the opportunities that exist for New Zealand."
The exchange plans to trade legally binding Kyoto-compliant credits, and also non-Kyoto credits that meet the standards for the proposed TZ1 Platinum branding. Similar voluntary credits are traded in the US at present. They are separate from Kyoto credits and cannot currently be used to meet Kyoto commitments.
Mr Taylor welcomed the commitment that any non-Kyoto credits traded would be high quality and verifiable. "Integrity is valuable. The credibility of this business will hinge on the extent to which any non-Kyoto credits are more than hot air."
EDS welcomes NZX's "Green Wall Street" proposal (1 May 2007)
Environmental Defence Society welcomed today's news that NZX will seek to position New Zealand as a "Green Wall Street" by creating a carbon exchange.
"EDS is very encouraged by the way the mainstream businesses behind this proposal are responding to the global climate challenge" said Chair Gary Taylor.
Carbon trading is a key part of achieving emission reductions at the least overall cost. Setting up an exchange will help familiarise New Zealand businesses with carbon trading and the need to factor the cost of carbon into decisions.
However Mr Taylor stressed that this move is a complement to government policy, not a substitute for it.
"The Government can now move quickly to implement a comprehensive tradeable permit regime as part of New Zealand's Kyoto response, as EDS advocated in its recent submission on climate change policies. If policy proposals from EDS and others are adopted, Kyoto compliant credits could be trading by next year"
The exchange plans to link with other Asia-Pacific countries. Mr Taylor welcomed this: "International links mean a bigger and more stable market and make it more likely least cost solutions will be found."
Mr Taylor said that he thought there would also be opportunities to link into the European Emission Trading System (ETS) and noted that Australian State Governments are working on an emission-trading scheme.
"Carbon trading is a growing global enterprise and EDS supports this initiative to recognise the opportunities that exist for New Zealand."
The exchange plans to trade legally binding Kyoto-compliant credits, and also non-Kyoto credits that meet the standards for the proposed TZ1 Platinum branding. Similar voluntary credits are traded in the US at present. They are separate from Kyoto credits and cannot currently be used to meet Kyoto commitments.
Mr Taylor welcomed the commitment that any non-Kyoto credits traded would be high quality and verifiable. "Integrity is valuable. The credibility of this business will hinge on the extent to which any non-Kyoto credits are more than hot air."
About climate change: New Zealand greenhouse gas emissions and inventory systems [Ministry for the Environment]
New Zealand greenhouse gas emissions and inventory systems
New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2005
The Ministry’s latest report on New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions shows that emissions for 2005 were 77.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Mt CO2-e), a 2.8 per cent increase from 2004 and a 24.7 per cent over the 1990 level.
New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2005
The Ministry’s latest report on New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions shows that emissions for 2005 were 77.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Mt CO2-e), a 2.8 per cent increase from 2004 and a 24.7 per cent over the 1990 level.
New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development
WHAT NEW ZEALANDERS THINK ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Seventy seven per cent of New Zealanders think climate change is a problem to be dealt with now or urgently. A nationwide poll conducted between April 4-7, and being published in The National Business Review today, shows New Zealanders strongly support making emitters buy carbon credits, and rewarding those who cut their emissions with carbon credits.They overwhelmingly back managing climate change with policies to insulate homes, fund research into alternative energy sources and cutting animal emissions. However, support starts to weaken for policies to impose new taxes, like putting up registration fees for cars with the largest engines. New Zealanders would rather back emission-cutting policies like paying cash grants to buyers of fuel efficient, low emission vehicles, stepping up subsidies to encourage production of bio fuel from forestry waste, and encouraging forestry planting.
Seventy seven per cent of New Zealanders think climate change is a problem to be dealt with now or urgently. A nationwide poll conducted between April 4-7, and being published in The National Business Review today, shows New Zealanders strongly support making emitters buy carbon credits, and rewarding those who cut their emissions with carbon credits.They overwhelmingly back managing climate change with policies to insulate homes, fund research into alternative energy sources and cutting animal emissions. However, support starts to weaken for policies to impose new taxes, like putting up registration fees for cars with the largest engines. New Zealanders would rather back emission-cutting policies like paying cash grants to buyers of fuel efficient, low emission vehicles, stepping up subsidies to encourage production of bio fuel from forestry waste, and encouraging forestry planting.
States take emissions trading to COAG - Breaking News - Business - Breaking News
States take emissions trading to COAG
State leaders have agreed on a united front for the meeting with Prime Minister John Howard on setting up a national emissions trading scheme.
But Mr Howard says there'll be no deal on carbon trading before next month's report of a task force studying market proposals.
The eight Labor premiers and chief ministers agreed on a timeline to set up a national scheme by 2010 and to proceed with or without the federal government's involvement.
State leaders have agreed on a united front for the meeting with Prime Minister John Howard on setting up a national emissions trading scheme.
But Mr Howard says there'll be no deal on carbon trading before next month's report of a task force studying market proposals.
The eight Labor premiers and chief ministers agreed on a timeline to set up a national scheme by 2010 and to proceed with or without the federal government's involvement.
Editorial: Global peril needs more than hot air - 12 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: Opinion, Editorial and reader views and comment from New Zealand and around the World
Setting the price of keeping cool - 12 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand Business and Personal Finance News
Latest IPCC report - just out
Working Group II Contribution to the Panel on Climate Change
Fourth Assessment Report Climate Change 2007:
Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
Summary for Policymakers
(pdf download)
Working Group II Contribution to the Panel on Climate Change
Fourth Assessment Report Climate Change 2007:
Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
Summary for Policymakers
(pdf download)
OECD environmental performace report
Recommendations:
International Co-operation
34. Adopt and implement a clear and comprehensive package of climate change policy measures (e.g. economic instruments, flexible mechanisms) to meet New Zealand’s international commitments, giving consideration to setting sectoral targets; develop strategies for future climate protection commitments in line with guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
35. Give consideration to allocating carbon sink credits and liabilities to forest owners, and ensure that the agriculture sector reduces its CHG emissions through low-cost practice changes and efficiency gains (e.g. energy efficiency improvements, increased biogas recovery).
Recommendations:
International Co-operation
34. Adopt and implement a clear and comprehensive package of climate change policy measures (e.g. economic instruments, flexible mechanisms) to meet New Zealand’s international commitments, giving consideration to setting sectoral targets; develop strategies for future climate protection commitments in line with guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
35. Give consideration to allocating carbon sink credits and liabilities to forest owners, and ensure that the agriculture sector reduces its CHG emissions through low-cost practice changes and efficiency gains (e.g. energy efficiency improvements, increased biogas recovery).
National Business Review (NBR) - Business, News, Arts, Media, Share Market & More
Business NZ urges caution on emissions trading
Business NZ has reitered support for a broad-based emissions trading market after 2012 in its submissions to the government's draft energy and climate change strategies.
But the organisation doesn't want to see any interim measures before then, including the proposed targeted tax on thermal generation.
This tax would lead to distortions in the market and higher prices without greenhouse gas reductions, Business NZ chief executive Phil O'Reilly says."
Business NZ has reitered support for a broad-based emissions trading market after 2012 in its submissions to the government's draft energy and climate change strategies.
But the organisation doesn't want to see any interim measures before then, including the proposed targeted tax on thermal generation.
This tax would lead to distortions in the market and higher prices without greenhouse gas reductions, Business NZ chief executive Phil O'Reilly says."
Environmental Defence Society, Home
Environmental Defence Society - submissions on Climate Change Policy
EDS strongly supports the implementation of an overall climate change policy approach that combines a clear price signal throughout the economy, an active and enhanced project mechanism, and a range of comprehensive and complementary measures.
EDS strongly supports the implementation of an overall climate change policy approach that combines a clear price signal throughout the economy, an active and enhanced project mechanism, and a range of comprehensive and complementary measures.
US court rules against Bush in global warming case - 03 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand and International Environment News
UN-Backed Carbon Trading Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions
UN-Backed Carbon Trading Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions
An essential tool in efforts to reduce global warming gas emissions is on track for completion with testing in the coming months of a mechanism allowing countries that cut emissions below their targets to sell surplus allowances to others that have deficits, the United Nations body overseeing the project The International Transaction Log (ITL) allows industrialized countries that have signed up to the Kyoto Protocol, which seeks to curb global warming, to link their national registries to the central hub of a settlement system that will deliver traded allowances from sellers to buyers.
The registries of Japan and New Zealand have already linked their test environments to the ITL and have successfully conducted trial transactions."
An essential tool in efforts to reduce global warming gas emissions is on track for completion with testing in the coming months of a mechanism allowing countries that cut emissions below their targets to sell surplus allowances to others that have deficits, the United Nations body overseeing the project The International Transaction Log (ITL) allows industrialized countries that have signed up to the Kyoto Protocol, which seeks to curb global warming, to link their national registries to the central hub of a settlement system that will deliver traded allowances from sellers to buyers.
The registries of Japan and New Zealand have already linked their test environments to the ITL and have successfully conducted trial transactions."
Broker opens door to carbon market - 03 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand Business and Personal Finance News
Clark invokes nuclear free spirit to tackle climate change - The Dominion Post: local, national & world news from Wellington's daily newspaper
Clark invokes nuclear free spirit to tackle climate change -
New Zealand's response to climate change will define the country in the same way as the reaction to threat of nuclear war galvanised it 20 years ago, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.
Miss Clark's opening statement to begin the parliamentary year called for a bold approach to environmental policy.
'I believe that in the years to come, the pride we take in our quest for sustainability and carbon neutrality will define our nation, just as our quest for a nuclear-free world has over the past 23 years,' Miss Clark told MPs.
As well-signalled, Miss Clark announced there would be a biofuel sales obligation in an effort to reduce reliance on oil.
There would be a biofuel target of 3.4 per cent of annual petrol and diesel sales by 2012 to encourage biodiesel and develop the infrastructure for ethanol distribution.
Miss Clark the government intended to lead by example and six departments were committing to reach carbon neutrality by 2012 by reducing omissions and tree planting. "
New Zealand's response to climate change will define the country in the same way as the reaction to threat of nuclear war galvanised it 20 years ago, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.
Miss Clark's opening statement to begin the parliamentary year called for a bold approach to environmental policy.
'I believe that in the years to come, the pride we take in our quest for sustainability and carbon neutrality will define our nation, just as our quest for a nuclear-free world has over the past 23 years,' Miss Clark told MPs.
As well-signalled, Miss Clark announced there would be a biofuel sales obligation in an effort to reduce reliance on oil.
There would be a biofuel target of 3.4 per cent of annual petrol and diesel sales by 2012 to encourage biodiesel and develop the infrastructure for ethanol distribution.
Miss Clark the government intended to lead by example and six departments were committing to reach carbon neutrality by 2012 by reducing omissions and tree planting. "
EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) can fund up to 40% of the capital cost of a project, up to a maximum of $100,000 for each grant.
EECA are keen to identify and potentially help fund projects that introduce technologies that improve energy efficiency in the following sectors:
· Wood processing
· Food & beverage processing (incl. meat, fish, vegetables, fruit)
· Basic metals (incl. ferrous & non-ferrous metal casting)
· Non-metallic products (e.g. plastics, ceramics, paper and paper products)
· Heavy transport fleets
· Glasshouse crops
· Fishing fleet operation
· Irrigated dairying
· Irrigated arable crops
Or other businesses where energy represents more than 5% of total business costs.
If you know of, or have clients that could benefit from some financial assistance in order to implement smarter technologies (a better solution), improving their energy efficiency in the above sectors then please contact EECA.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/eib
Parker: Govt responds to "simplistic and misleading comments"
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Climate Change Minister David Parker has criticised Kyoto Forestry
Association head Roger Dickie for making simplistic and misleading
comments about climate change proposals.
"Mr Dickie asserts that owners have a right to the carbon sink credits
for forests planted after 1990. This is simply not the case. Forest
owners have no property right in carbon credits, just as emitters such
as farmers have no current liability for their greenhouse gas
emissions."
"We are devolving credits - for new permanent forests - and we are the
first Kyoto country in the world to do so."
Mr Parker has also taken issue with misleading claims that the
government is considering a $13,000 tax on landowners converting from
forestry to other land uses.
"Nowhere in the discussion document does it suggest a $13,000 tax for
deforestation, despite the fact that $13,000 per hectare is the
estimated cost to the taxpayer associated with deforestation.
"We have already stated that our preferred option is to allow historic
rates of deforestation to continue but to control increases," Mr Parker
said.
"Worldwide, deforestation causes approximately 25% of the world's
carbon dioxide emissions. Obviously, steps to limit deforestation are
as necessary in New Zealand as they are in other countries."
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials start nationwide
consultation tomorrow on the discussion document, Sustainable Land
Management and Climate Change.
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Government sets new sales targets for biofuels - 13 Feb 2007 - Environment
Government sets new sales targets for biofuels
Helen ClarkPrime Minister Helen Clark will today unveil new sales targets for biofuels requiring oil companies to pump the more environmentally friendly fuel into the country's vehicles.Government sets new sales targets for biofuels
Helen ClarkPrime Minister Helen Clark will today unveil new sales targets for biofuels requiring oil companies to pump the more environmentally friendly fuel into the country's vehicles.Government sets new sales targets for biofuels
Farmers bringing in the green stuff
Ron and Gerry Marriott are letting their Marlborough Sounds farm revert to the bush. As well as helping save the planet, they're making money. Anthony Hubbard reports.
Ron Marriott grins at his green hills disappearing under the scrub. The farm 'always wanted to go back to bush'. The sun throbs above the ridge where he is standing. A white butterfly lurches through the heavy air.
'It was all grass around here a few years ago,' he says, 'and now look at it.' The Waimatete Saddle froths with tauhinu, the spindly plant that is the local version of gorse. A few lost fence posts decay amid the shrubs. Marriott pokes his head into a bush and says: 'See this!' "
Ron and Gerry Marriott are letting their Marlborough Sounds farm revert to the bush. As well as helping save the planet, they're making money. Anthony Hubbard reports.
Ron Marriott grins at his green hills disappearing under the scrub. The farm 'always wanted to go back to bush'. The sun throbs above the ridge where he is standing. A white butterfly lurches through the heavy air.
'It was all grass around here a few years ago,' he says, 'and now look at it.' The Waimatete Saddle froths with tauhinu, the spindly plant that is the local version of gorse. A few lost fence posts decay amid the shrubs. Marriott pokes his head into a bush and says: 'See this!' "
Turnbull won't rule out carbon trading
MALCOLM Turnbull has left open the option of Australia embracing carbon trading in comments made immediately after the high-profile Sydney MP was elevated into federal cabinet.
The new Minister for Environment and Water was widely tipped for promotion, with John Howard nominating the millionaire former banker as one of the Government's best two performers of the past year.
Mr Turnbull nominated water as the 'biggest' aspect of his portfolio.
'For most people, (water is) the manifestation of climate change,' he told The Australian. "
MALCOLM Turnbull has left open the option of Australia embracing carbon trading in comments made immediately after the high-profile Sydney MP was elevated into federal cabinet.
The new Minister for Environment and Water was widely tipped for promotion, with John Howard nominating the millionaire former banker as one of the Government's best two performers of the past year.
Mr Turnbull nominated water as the 'biggest' aspect of his portfolio.
'For most people, (water is) the manifestation of climate change,' he told The Australian. "
Excessive clearing
AUSTRALIA may not reach its greenhouse gas emission targets because Queensland has lost too many trees, a new report says.
The Australia Institute says Queensland Government estimates of land clearing between 1990 and 2001 are about 50 per cent higher than Federal Government estimates.
'If the Queensland Government figures are correct, Australia's total greenhouse emissions may be well above the Kyoto target,' says institute deputy director Andrew Macintosh."
AUSTRALIA may not reach its greenhouse gas emission targets because Queensland has lost too many trees, a new report says.
The Australia Institute says Queensland Government estimates of land clearing between 1990 and 2001 are about 50 per cent higher than Federal Government estimates.
'If the Queensland Government figures are correct, Australia's total greenhouse emissions may be well above the Kyoto target,' says institute deputy director Andrew Macintosh."
Sustainable land management and climate change – a public consultation
The Government wants to put in place an enduring and broad Plan of Action on climate change in the land management sectors – in particular, how the agriculture and forestry sectors can work with the Government to:
adapt to climate change;
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land-based activities;
create carbon sinks.
Through the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Consultation you can tell us what you think should be included in this Plan of Action.
The discussion document Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change outlines policy options that could be included in the Plan of Action. Some of these options are well formed and require specific feedback. Others require more creative input to be developed further.
Your input will be used to guide the development of sustainable land management and climate change policy. You can have your say about the Plan of Action and policy options by attending a public meeting or making a written submission. The closing date for submissions is 30 March 2007."
The Government wants to put in place an enduring and broad Plan of Action on climate change in the land management sectors – in particular, how the agriculture and forestry sectors can work with the Government to:
adapt to climate change;
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land-based activities;
create carbon sinks.
Through the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Consultation you can tell us what you think should be included in this Plan of Action.
The discussion document Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change outlines policy options that could be included in the Plan of Action. Some of these options are well formed and require specific feedback. Others require more creative input to be developed further.
Your input will be used to guide the development of sustainable land management and climate change policy. You can have your say about the Plan of Action and policy options by attending a public meeting or making a written submission. The closing date for submissions is 30 March 2007."
Wind power, people, and place -Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
Wind power is one of our major renewable energy sources. But to date dialogue has been limited on such key issues as how New Zealand is developing wind power, what lies behind people's concerns about it, and its place in our energy future.
New Zealand is expanding its wind power, and we have many good sites. Over 80% of us support it in principle. But it is expanding in ways that are causing tensions in some communities.
We are using the same model we used for hydro in the 1960s and gas and coal in the 1980s: large-scale and dominated by Government agencies. Little opportunity exists for people to invest in wind farms, or for smaller-scale developments, or for local community ownership."
Wind power is one of our major renewable energy sources. But to date dialogue has been limited on such key issues as how New Zealand is developing wind power, what lies behind people's concerns about it, and its place in our energy future.
New Zealand is expanding its wind power, and we have many good sites. Over 80% of us support it in principle. But it is expanding in ways that are causing tensions in some communities.
We are using the same model we used for hydro in the 1960s and gas and coal in the 1980s: large-scale and dominated by Government agencies. Little opportunity exists for people to invest in wind farms, or for smaller-scale developments, or for local community ownership."
Execs say carbon trading coming soon
More than 50 per cent of business executives think regulated carbon emissions trading will be a reality in Australia in the next two to five years, and most would welcome it, a survey shows.
The survey, by PricewaterhouseCoopers of 63 business leaders from 51 organisations, found every single respondent viewed climate change as a strategically significant issue for their organisation in the next five years.
And it is the potential for cost savings, not concern about the environment, that is predominately driving their enthusiasm."
More than 50 per cent of business executives think regulated carbon emissions trading will be a reality in Australia in the next two to five years, and most would welcome it, a survey shows.
The survey, by PricewaterhouseCoopers of 63 business leaders from 51 organisations, found every single respondent viewed climate change as a strategically significant issue for their organisation in the next five years.
And it is the potential for cost savings, not concern about the environment, that is predominately driving their enthusiasm."
Consultation New Zealand Climate Change
The government has identified options for climate change policy and is committed to ensuring that communities and stakeholders are part of the solutions. Timeline for initial consultation
From December 2006 to March 2007, the government will be consulting on options for the longer term and transitional policies. In mid-2007, drawing on feedback from the consultations, officials will then develop for Ministers’ consideration a set of longer-term sectoral emission reduction goals (and possibly an overall emission reduction goal), and an emissions-reduction policy package. The Ministry for the Environment is preparing to post associated Cabinet papers to this website.Having your say
The government would like your feedback on the following discussion papers and strategies: Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in New Zealand Post-2012
Powering Our Future – The Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050
Transitional Measures: Options to Move Towards Low Emissions Electricity and Stationary Energy Supply and to Facilitate a Transition to Greenhouse Gas Pricing in the Future "
The government has identified options for climate change policy and is committed to ensuring that communities and stakeholders are part of the solutions. Timeline for initial consultation
From December 2006 to March 2007, the government will be consulting on options for the longer term and transitional policies. In mid-2007, drawing on feedback from the consultations, officials will then develop for Ministers’ consideration a set of longer-term sectoral emission reduction goals (and possibly an overall emission reduction goal), and an emissions-reduction policy package. The Ministry for the Environment is preparing to post associated Cabinet papers to this website.Having your say
The government would like your feedback on the following discussion papers and strategies: Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in New Zealand Post-2012
Powering Our Future – The Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050
Transitional Measures: Options to Move Towards Low Emissions Electricity and Stationary Energy Supply and to Facilitate a Transition to Greenhouse Gas Pricing in the Future "
Regulation OK for Telecom but not for others
But a majority of voters supported carbon reduction measures such as carbon pricing in the electricity sector, which Doyle said showed attitudes towards carbon policy had changed.
Just under 70 per cent of voters supported measures to encourage renewable energy even if those measures increased electricity prices."
But a majority of voters supported carbon reduction measures such as carbon pricing in the electricity sector, which Doyle said showed attitudes towards carbon policy had changed.
Just under 70 per cent of voters supported measures to encourage renewable energy even if those measures increased electricity prices."
Land found for waste water plan
Up to 1300ha of land has been identified in Wakatipu as being suitable or available for the Queenstown Lakes District Council's proposed sewage-to-land treatment proposals.
The council wrote to 55 landowners to identify suitable sites to lease as part of its investigations into a new system that would discharge waste water to land.
Queenstown Lakes District Engineering wastewater engineer Martin O'Malley told the council utilities committee meeting yesterday seven landowners, including Queenstown Airport, had said they were interested in using the waste water for irrigation. "
Up to 1300ha of land has been identified in Wakatipu as being suitable or available for the Queenstown Lakes District Council's proposed sewage-to-land treatment proposals.
The council wrote to 55 landowners to identify suitable sites to lease as part of its investigations into a new system that would discharge waste water to land.
Queenstown Lakes District Engineering wastewater engineer Martin O'Malley told the council utilities committee meeting yesterday seven landowners, including Queenstown Airport, had said they were interested in using the waste water for irrigation. "
Business NZ members to develop framework for emissions trading
Business NZ is leading a project to develop a framework for emissions trading.
Partners in the project include Business NZ members Genesis Energy, Mighty River Power, Contact Energy, NZ Steel, Solid Energy, Rio Tinto Aluminium, Fletcher Building and Fonterra.
The project analysis, to be undertaken by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research in association with Frazer Lindstrom, will:
• review emissions trading schemes already in operation or being designed internationally
• develop a framework for emissions trading in New Zealand after 2012 that aligns with international schemes
• evaluate and make recommendations on emission credit allocation schemes for different sectors "
Business NZ is leading a project to develop a framework for emissions trading.
Partners in the project include Business NZ members Genesis Energy, Mighty River Power, Contact Energy, NZ Steel, Solid Energy, Rio Tinto Aluminium, Fletcher Building and Fonterra.
The project analysis, to be undertaken by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research in association with Frazer Lindstrom, will:
• review emissions trading schemes already in operation or being designed internationally
• develop a framework for emissions trading in New Zealand after 2012 that aligns with international schemes
• evaluate and make recommendations on emission credit allocation schemes for different sectors "
French lakebed may be key to methane crisis
Microbes discovered in the depths of a French lake may hold the key to dealing with the problem of belching cattle and sheep, source of a third of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr Gerard Fonty, of Blaise Pascal University in Clermont-Ferrand in central France, discovered the methane-consuming micro-organisms in a nearby volcanic crater lake.
The 6000-year-old Lake Pavin is unusual in that its waters are in layers that do not mix, resulting in an anaerobic or oxygen-free zone in the bottom third of its 92m depth. Geochemists studying the lake noted that its deepest zone contained methane, but none reached the surface.
Fonty, whose field is the microbial ecology of lakes and other freshwater ecosystems, established that this was the result of a previously unknown microbe which had evolved to live on the methane produced in the sediment at the lake bottom."
Microbes discovered in the depths of a French lake may hold the key to dealing with the problem of belching cattle and sheep, source of a third of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr Gerard Fonty, of Blaise Pascal University in Clermont-Ferrand in central France, discovered the methane-consuming micro-organisms in a nearby volcanic crater lake.
The 6000-year-old Lake Pavin is unusual in that its waters are in layers that do not mix, resulting in an anaerobic or oxygen-free zone in the bottom third of its 92m depth. Geochemists studying the lake noted that its deepest zone contained methane, but none reached the surface.
Fonty, whose field is the microbial ecology of lakes and other freshwater ecosystems, established that this was the result of a previously unknown microbe which had evolved to live on the methane produced in the sediment at the lake bottom."
Ancient microbes may hold key to lower emissions
AgResearch scientist Dr Keith Joblin and French researcher Dr Gérard Fonty have been jointly awarded the inaugural ‘Dumont D’Urville’ award for biotechnology studies involving France and New Zealand by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the NZ Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.
Palmerston North based Dr Joblin and University Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand based Dr Fonty have been investigating possible novel uses for methane-utilising microbes in Lake Pavin, a 6000 year old crater mountain lake in the Auvergne region of France.
The lake is highly unusual because its deepest portion has evolved without mixing between different layers. This has enabled microbes to evolve undisturbed for a very long period. French scientists have found that the deep layer contains novel microbes which utilise methane in the absence of oxygen.
Methane, one of New Zealand’s major greenhouse gases, is produced in similar anaerobic conditions in the stomach of cows and sheep and is the focus of a large scale research programme funded by the pastoral sector through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and Crown.
“The early phase of our study is to obtain as much information as possible on these microbes,” said Dr Joblin. "
AgResearch scientist Dr Keith Joblin and French researcher Dr Gérard Fonty have been jointly awarded the inaugural ‘Dumont D’Urville’ award for biotechnology studies involving France and New Zealand by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the NZ Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.
Palmerston North based Dr Joblin and University Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand based Dr Fonty have been investigating possible novel uses for methane-utilising microbes in Lake Pavin, a 6000 year old crater mountain lake in the Auvergne region of France.
The lake is highly unusual because its deepest portion has evolved without mixing between different layers. This has enabled microbes to evolve undisturbed for a very long period. French scientists have found that the deep layer contains novel microbes which utilise methane in the absence of oxygen.
Methane, one of New Zealand’s major greenhouse gases, is produced in similar anaerobic conditions in the stomach of cows and sheep and is the focus of a large scale research programme funded by the pastoral sector through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and Crown.
“The early phase of our study is to obtain as much information as possible on these microbes,” said Dr Joblin. "
Confronting climate change: critical issues for NZ
Confronting climate change – critical issues for New Zealand
The issues confronting New Zealand as a result of climate change have been put in the spotlight with the release of a new book from Victoria University.
Confronting Climate Change: Critical Issues for New Zealand, published by Victoria University Press, grew out of a major international conference organised by the University and held in Wellington earlier this year.
The book will be launched by the Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues, the Hon David Parker.
Edited by Associate Professor Ralph Chapman, Professor Jonathan Boston and Wellington writer Margot Schwass, the book includes contributions from more than 30 leading scientists and policy experts and a foreword by British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony Blair, who addressed the conference by video link.
Associate Professor Chapman, from the School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, says the debate on the science is over.
“As the outgoing Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has recently commented, the sceptics are ‘out of step, out of arguments and just about out of time’. Climate change is real and it is happening even faster than previously thought and is being powerfully influenced by human activities.”
Associate Professor Chapman says events such as Hurricane Katrina, the shrinking icecaps, the 2003 European heat wave and the disastrous Australian drought are reminders that climate change is not a future threat.
Confronting climate change – critical issues for New Zealand
The issues confronting New Zealand as a result of climate change have been put in the spotlight with the release of a new book from Victoria University.
Confronting Climate Change: Critical Issues for New Zealand, published by Victoria University Press, grew out of a major international conference organised by the University and held in Wellington earlier this year.
The book will be launched by the Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues, the Hon David Parker.
Edited by Associate Professor Ralph Chapman, Professor Jonathan Boston and Wellington writer Margot Schwass, the book includes contributions from more than 30 leading scientists and policy experts and a foreword by British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony Blair, who addressed the conference by video link.
Associate Professor Chapman, from the School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, says the debate on the science is over.
“As the outgoing Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has recently commented, the sceptics are ‘out of step, out of arguments and just about out of time’. Climate change is real and it is happening even faster than previously thought and is being powerfully influenced by human activities.”
Associate Professor Chapman says events such as Hurricane Katrina, the shrinking icecaps, the 2003 European heat wave and the disastrous Australian drought are reminders that climate change is not a future threat.
McCain to reintroduce climate bill next year
Republican US Senator John McCain said last week that he and Senator Joe Lieberman will reintroduce their bill to set mandatory caps on US greenhouse gases with an economy-wide trading system in the next congressional session.
The only legislative proposal for a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gases in the US that made it to a vote, the McCain-Lieberman bill was defeated by 55 to 43 in the US Senate in 2003. McCain predicted that if Congress passes legislation in the next two years to enact a mandatory carbon emissions reduction program, President Bush would sign it.
Republican US Senator John McCain said last week that he and Senator Joe Lieberman will reintroduce their bill to set mandatory caps on US greenhouse gases with an economy-wide trading system in the next congressional session.
The only legislative proposal for a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gases in the US that made it to a vote, the McCain-Lieberman bill was defeated by 55 to 43 in the US Senate in 2003. McCain predicted that if Congress passes legislation in the next two years to enact a mandatory carbon emissions reduction program, President Bush would sign it.
