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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Cabinet decisions released February 2001
Nine new papers
Nine new papers
Early outcome - climate change prediction of new disease vectors
Saltmarsh mosquito found north of Auckland
The Ministry of Health says it will urgently seek expert advice as the Australian saltmarsh mosquito is discovered north of Auckland.
Larvae of the mosquito, which can carry diseases including Ross River virus, have been found in Kaipara Harbour.
Saltmarsh mosquito found north of Auckland
The Ministry of Health says it will urgently seek expert advice as the Australian saltmarsh mosquito is discovered north of Auckland.
Larvae of the mosquito, which can carry diseases including Ross River virus, have been found in Kaipara Harbour.
Climate change scenarios - Need for more science to know how to adapt. EDS Press release
Some climate change is now inevitable. Clearly there is the need to act to limit its extent by the world reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but even optimistic scenarios for emission reductions show the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere doubling. Much more science is needed to judge the impacts so we can start to adapt. That is a task for central and regional government to address as well as at risk industries.
Some climate change is now inevitable. Clearly there is the need to act to limit its extent by the world reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but even optimistic scenarios for emission reductions show the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere doubling. Much more science is needed to judge the impacts so we can start to adapt. That is a task for central and regional government to address as well as at risk industries.
Warmer, wetter . . . but still windy.
That's Wellington's future climate under the latest model of global warming released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, established by the United Nations and World Meteorological Organisation.
With the Kapiti Coast and Hutt Valley both experiencing serious flooding in recent years, local authorities needed to be aware of the potential changes when planning roads and bridges in at-risk areas, Dr Wratt said.
That's Wellington's future climate under the latest model of global warming released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, established by the United Nations and World Meteorological Organisation.
With the Kapiti Coast and Hutt Valley both experiencing serious flooding in recent years, local authorities needed to be aware of the potential changes when planning roads and bridges in at-risk areas, Dr Wratt said.
Rod Donald Speech Carbon Taxes
The Green Party will certainly be making a submission to the tax review currently underway but we believe there is no practical impediment to seeing a carbon tax, and a complimentary reduction in income tax, within the next 12 months. Carbon taxes are actively being implemented in Europe and if New Zealand really does want to be a leader in the OECD, as the Prime Minister has said in her speech, then we must take the lead not just in transforming the economy but ensuring that any such transition puts New Zealand on an ecologically sustainable footing.
The Green Party will certainly be making a submission to the tax review currently underway but we believe there is no practical impediment to seeing a carbon tax, and a complimentary reduction in income tax, within the next 12 months. Carbon taxes are actively being implemented in Europe and if New Zealand really does want to be a leader in the OECD, as the Prime Minister has said in her speech, then we must take the lead not just in transforming the economy but ensuring that any such transition puts New Zealand on an ecologically sustainable footing.
Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament Climate Change
The government will also continue to engage the business and scientific communities and environmental NGOs in discussion about the development of climate change policy.
It is our objective to see New Zealand ratify the Kyoto Protocol by mid-2002, around the tenth anniversary of the Rio Conference on Environment and Development. Reaching this objective is not made easier by the failure to date to get international agreement on implementation of the Protocol.
Our ministers will continue to be fully involved in international efforts to reach such agreements this year.
Scientific evidence is painting an increasingly bleak picture about the effects of climate change on our planet. It is important that New Zealand plays its part in an international plan of action to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases.
The government will also continue to engage the business and scientific communities and environmental NGOs in discussion about the development of climate change policy.
It is our objective to see New Zealand ratify the Kyoto Protocol by mid-2002, around the tenth anniversary of the Rio Conference on Environment and Development. Reaching this objective is not made easier by the failure to date to get international agreement on implementation of the Protocol.
Our ministers will continue to be fully involved in international efforts to reach such agreements this year.
Scientific evidence is painting an increasingly bleak picture about the effects of climate change on our planet. It is important that New Zealand plays its part in an international plan of action to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases.
New Zealand lags behind Australia in Green Power Initiatives
Green Power needs the Support of a Mandated Target for Renewable Energy. Wind Energy Association:
"A mandated target for renewable energy generation in New Zealand, as introduced in Australia recently, is essential to support the market for greenpower and increase renewable energy" said Mr Alistair Wilson, chairperson of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. Mr Wilson was speaking in support of Trustpower's launch of green power - an initiative to allow electricity users to purchase green power certificates to support the building of the second stage of the Trustpower Tararua Wind Farm near Palmerston North
Green Power needs the Support of a Mandated Target for Renewable Energy. Wind Energy Association:
"A mandated target for renewable energy generation in New Zealand, as introduced in Australia recently, is essential to support the market for greenpower and increase renewable energy" said Mr Alistair Wilson, chairperson of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. Mr Wilson was speaking in support of Trustpower's launch of green power - an initiative to allow electricity users to purchase green power certificates to support the building of the second stage of the Trustpower Tararua Wind Farm near Palmerston North
Climate law change by year's end
The Government will introduce legislation at the end of the year to force reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government will introduce legislation at the end of the year to force reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Global warming means weather extremes
New Zealand should prepare for weather extremes, according to another report on global warming.
The scientists predict millions of people will be hit by flooding, drought and disease.
NIWA climate scientist Dr David Wratt says the biggest impact on New Zealand will be on rainfall water resources.
He says the global model predicts a more westerly flow across the country, meaning less rain on the East Coast and more on the West Coast.
It also means more frequent bouts of heavy rain, causing flash floods.
New Zealand should prepare for weather extremes, according to another report on global warming.
The scientists predict millions of people will be hit by flooding, drought and disease.
NIWA climate scientist Dr David Wratt says the biggest impact on New Zealand will be on rainfall water resources.
He says the global model predicts a more westerly flow across the country, meaning less rain on the East Coast and more on the West Coast.
It also means more frequent bouts of heavy rain, causing flash floods.
Another UN report on global warming lists serious implications for NZ
Disease-carrying mosquitoes will thrive in New Zealand but agriculture could benefit from global warming at least for a while, an influential group of the world's scientists say.
A United Nations report issued yesterday also warns of devastating storms in some parts of the world, and climbing sea levels as temperatures rise over the next century.
Disease-carrying mosquitoes will thrive in New Zealand but agriculture could benefit from global warming at least for a while, an influential group of the world's scientists say.
A United Nations report issued yesterday also warns of devastating storms in some parts of the world, and climbing sea levels as temperatures rise over the next century.
Climate change report reveals dark clouds ahead
A report on the effects of global climate change reveals there will be some far reaching impacts for New Zealanders.
The United Nations report predicts an increase in cyclones, floods and droughts over the next 100 years.
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson says changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures will be the most notable differences.
He says there is likely to be more rain in the west of New Zealand, less rain in the east, and more frequent heavy rain in general.
A report on the effects of global climate change reveals there will be some far reaching impacts for New Zealanders.
The United Nations report predicts an increase in cyclones, floods and droughts over the next 100 years.
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson says changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures will be the most notable differences.
He says there is likely to be more rain in the west of New Zealand, less rain in the east, and more frequent heavy rain in general.
Renewable energy need not come at extra cost says Meridian
Power consumers wanting to use renewable energy for environmental reasons can do so through the country's largest generator, Meridian Energy - and it won't cost them any extra.
Meridian Power Marketing Director Ray Aspey says his company's power is all generated from renewable, environmentally friendly resources at the eight hydro power stations on the Waitaki River, the country's largest hydro station at Manapouri and the Wellington Wind Turbine.
Power consumers wanting to use renewable energy for environmental reasons can do so through the country's largest generator, Meridian Energy - and it won't cost them any extra.
Meridian Power Marketing Director Ray Aspey says his company's power is all generated from renewable, environmentally friendly resources at the eight hydro power stations on the Waitaki River, the country's largest hydro station at Manapouri and the Wellington Wind Turbine.
Hunt for green power backers
Trustpower is hunting for 16,100 people throughout New Zealand willing to make a $2 weekly commitment to "green" energy and get Tararua Wind Farm's Stage 2 rolling.
Trustpower is hunting for 16,100 people throughout New Zealand willing to make a $2 weekly commitment to "green" energy and get Tararua Wind Farm's Stage 2 rolling.
New Zealand objectives in Umbrella Group meeting
"If there is a slowdown in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol it is not going to make the issue of climate change any less of a pressing issue.
"We can't close our eyes and let this one go away. If there was just such a standoff between the United States and the European Union ... that we could not get agreement this year ... that would represent a slowdown.
"New Zealand is working very hard to prevent that because we are committed to a working, ratifiable Kyoto Protocol that makes it possible for all those countries with commitments to fulfil them."
"If there is a slowdown in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol it is not going to make the issue of climate change any less of a pressing issue.
"We can't close our eyes and let this one go away. If there was just such a standoff between the United States and the European Union ... that we could not get agreement this year ... that would represent a slowdown.
"New Zealand is working very hard to prevent that because we are committed to a working, ratifiable Kyoto Protocol that makes it possible for all those countries with commitments to fulfil them."
Green power launch by Trustpower
Sir Edmund Hillary will be in Palmerston North on February 12 in support of the launch of a funding campaign for the Tararua windfarm's second stage.
Sir Edmund is a supporter of green energy projects.
Sir Edmund Hillary will be in Palmerston North on February 12 in support of the launch of a funding campaign for the Tararua windfarm's second stage.
Sir Edmund is a supporter of green energy projects.
Economic Implications of a Mandatory New-Renewables Quota in New Zealand - Wind Energy Association Study
"..we estimate that the 1% and 2% growth targets for renewable energy would reduce electricity market CO2 emissions by 42% and 43% respectively, relative to business-as-usual, corresponding to approximately 5 million tonnes of CO2.
"..we estimate that the 1% and 2% growth targets for renewable energy would reduce electricity market CO2 emissions by 42% and 43% respectively, relative to business-as-usual, corresponding to approximately 5 million tonnes of CO2.
Better weather for our farmers
Global warming will mainly help New Zealand agriculture, says a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry senior policy analyst.
John Jackman said the East Coast was likely to become drier and Northland more sub-tropical.
Global warming will mainly help New Zealand agriculture, says a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry senior policy analyst.
John Jackman said the East Coast was likely to become drier and Northland more sub-tropical.
Government to review fuel standards
"What are the environmental issues? Will changing our specifications help us meet any of our international environmental obligations (e.g., the Kyoto protocol)?
"What are the environmental issues? Will changing our specifications help us meet any of our international environmental obligations (e.g., the Kyoto protocol)?
Climate change and agriculture
New estimates of the impact of global warming add weight to emerging evidence that the greenhouse effect is likely to cause major changes to food and fibre production in Australia.
New estimates of the impact of global warming add weight to emerging evidence that the greenhouse effect is likely to cause major changes to food and fibre production in Australia.
Peter Blake reporting from Antarctica - Ice shelf retreating
"The main ice shelf used to be here 25 years ago, but it is moving back at around a mile a year.
"Scientists have told us that it's normally hard ice here. No one can ever remember it being like this before.
"We've talked to scientists and sea captains who have been coming here since the 1970s, and they say it is markedly different now.
"The average temperature has increased about 1.4 degrees Celsius."
"The main ice shelf used to be here 25 years ago, but it is moving back at around a mile a year.
"Scientists have told us that it's normally hard ice here. No one can ever remember it being like this before.
"We've talked to scientists and sea captains who have been coming here since the 1970s, and they say it is markedly different now.
"The average temperature has increased about 1.4 degrees Celsius."
Local Government and Environment Committee - Climate Change Hearing on the role of local government
Report on considerations of the Committee to date
Report on considerations of the Committee to date
Umbrella Group delays New Zealand strategy session
New U.S. administration takes time to plan positioning on global warming Secret talks among top environmental negotiators from the so-called Umbrella Group of industrialized countries, originally scheduled for mid-February in New Zealand, have been postponed until some time in the latter half of March, informed sources said Sunday
New U.S. administration takes time to plan positioning on global warming Secret talks among top environmental negotiators from the so-called Umbrella Group of industrialized countries, originally scheduled for mid-February in New Zealand, have been postponed until some time in the latter half of March, informed sources said Sunday
Energy self-sufficiency could be our salvation
KEN PIDDINGTON says New Zealand can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and achieve maximum self-sufficiency in transport fuels if it is bold enough to embrace new technology.
KEN PIDDINGTON says New Zealand can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and achieve maximum self-sufficiency in transport fuels if it is bold enough to embrace new technology.
How COP 6 Went - NZ Perspective
NZ Officials report on COP 6 - The Hague November 2000. (pdf file)
NZ Officials report on COP 6 - The Hague November 2000. (pdf file)
Tararua Wind Farm
A virtual visit to a 67 MW wind generation site.
A virtual visit to a 67 MW wind generation site.
