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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Wind Power Deal to be Signed
A contract between the Christchurch City Council and a local company that intends to supply electricity from a wind turbine is to be signed next week.
A contract between the Christchurch City Council and a local company that intends to supply electricity from a wind turbine is to be signed next week.
Muttonbirds face starvation - climate link?
Maori may need to cut back their traditional harvests of muttonbirds because climate change is leading to the birds starving in large numbers, says a bird rescue official
Maori may need to cut back their traditional harvests of muttonbirds because climate change is leading to the birds starving in large numbers, says a bird rescue official
Submission on Otahuhu C Power Station
EDS argues CO2 emissions will be additional and must be mitigated or the consent declined.
EDS argues CO2 emissions will be additional and must be mitigated or the consent declined.
Australia not Lackey?
Prime Minister from 1975 to 1983, Fraser said Australia was wrong to back US President George W. Bush's plans to develop a multibillion-dollar National Missile Defence and Washington's rejection of the 1997 Kyoto protocol on climate change.
Prime Minister from 1975 to 1983, Fraser said Australia was wrong to back US President George W. Bush's plans to develop a multibillion-dollar National Missile Defence and Washington's rejection of the 1997 Kyoto protocol on climate change.
Flatulence tax emission impossible
The Government has ruled out introducing a "flatulence tax" on every sheep and cow, a spokesman for Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson said yesterday
The Government has ruled out introducing a "flatulence tax" on every sheep and cow, a spokesman for Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson said yesterday
Aussies say Kyoto's over
Hill says European plans to support Kyoto are useless
It would be ineffective for European countries proceeding with the Kyoto Protocol on cutting greenhouse gases without the United States, Environment Minister Robert Hill said today.
"The Europeans are still saying we should seek to complete the negotiations on rules for the Kyoto Protocol and proceed to ratify it, thus to accept legal obligations without the United States," he told ABC radio at the OECD meeting on Kyoto in Paris.
Hill says European plans to support Kyoto are useless
It would be ineffective for European countries proceeding with the Kyoto Protocol on cutting greenhouse gases without the United States, Environment Minister Robert Hill said today.
"The Europeans are still saying we should seek to complete the negotiations on rules for the Kyoto Protocol and proceed to ratify it, thus to accept legal obligations without the United States," he told ABC radio at the OECD meeting on Kyoto in Paris.
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change Equity and Global Climate Change Conference
Bob Watson 's recent talks in NZ used material very similar to his talk at this conference - go to page and link to his Power Point presentation (25MB)
Bob Watson 's recent talks in NZ used material very similar to his talk at this conference - go to page and link to his Power Point presentation (25MB)
Windflow Technology Ltd
New Zealand wind energy conpany. Currently has a share offering.
New Zealand wind energy conpany. Currently has a share offering.
Questions Of The Day – 15 May
JEANETTE FITZSIMONS to the Minister for the Environment Marian Hobbs:
Q: In relation to her decision not to exercise her call-in powers under the Resource Management Act 1991 in respect of CO2 emissions from a new thermal power station planned for Otahuhu, what specific alternative policies was she referring to when she reportedly spoke of new measures the Government is planning to introduce under its energy efficiency strategy?
JEANETTE FITZSIMONS to the Minister for the Environment Marian Hobbs:
Q: In relation to her decision not to exercise her call-in powers under the Resource Management Act 1991 in respect of CO2 emissions from a new thermal power station planned for Otahuhu, what specific alternative policies was she referring to when she reportedly spoke of new measures the Government is planning to introduce under its energy efficiency strategy?
Minister's refusal to use call in powers decried
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) says the government's refusal to use its call-in powers for proposed new power stations indicate it is not prepared to "walk the talk" when it comes to climate change.
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) says the government's refusal to use its call-in powers for proposed new power stations indicate it is not prepared to "walk the talk" when it comes to climate change.
Hobbs decides against calling in Resource Consents
Minister Decides Against Calling In Resource Consents
Press Release by New Zealand Government at 9:10am, 15th May 2001
The Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs, has decided against
"calling in" the application by Contact Energy for resource consents for
a new gas-fired power station at Otahuhu.
"Calls to use the call-in provisions of the Resource Management Act to
achieve climate change, energy efficiency, and renewable energy
objectives are misdirected given the strength of the policies that the Government
has in place or is developing," Marian Hobbs said."These include last October's Power Package and the National Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy being developed this year." The
Minister said anybody considering investing in new thermal power
stations would be wise to consider fully the risks to their project from emerging
climate change and renewable energy policy.
"The Government has issued an Energy Policy Framework which clearly
states its commitment to a sustainable and efficient energy future," Marian
Hobbs said. "This includes a progressive transition to renewable sources of
energy. "In the Government's Policy Statement for Electricity (the Power
Package), the Minister of Energy, Pete Hodgson, made it clear to the
electricity industry that the Government expects greenhouse gases and
hydro spill to be minimised.
"The electricity industry faces regulation if it does not achieve these
and other objectives. "When he launched the Draft National Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy in March this year, the Minister of
Energy indicated that increasing New Zealand's use of
environmentally-friendly energy sources was one of its cornerstones.
"Officials are working to identify the most appropriate path for New
Zealand to take towards a renewable energy future and the most
appropriate mechanisms to guide the country along that path. The Government expects
to give clearer direction on this in the final National Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, being released by October 1 this year.
"Irrespective of what other countries may not be doing, New Zealand is
committed to developing and implementing a robust package of measures to
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions," Marian Hobbs said. "While we may
be a small player on the international scene, we are not small when it
comes to leadership. I am confident this Government can produce a mix of
policy and education initiatives to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
"The latest greenhouse gas inventory shows that emissions are still
rising, with carbon dioxide emissions in 1999 about 19% higher than in
1990 and transport sector emissions continuing to grow rapidly, and now
amounting to almost 40% of New Zealand's total CO2 emissions.
"Finalising a practical domestic policy package will involve
consultation with all New Zealanders. The Kyoto Protocol commits New Zealand to work
towards returning its emissions of greenhouse gases back to 1990 levels,
on average, over 2008-2012, or take responsibility for emissions above
1990 levels if it cannot meet that target.
Minister Decides Against Calling In Resource Consents
Press Release by New Zealand Government at 9:10am, 15th May 2001
The Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs, has decided against
"calling in" the application by Contact Energy for resource consents for
a new gas-fired power station at Otahuhu.
"Calls to use the call-in provisions of the Resource Management Act to
achieve climate change, energy efficiency, and renewable energy
objectives are misdirected given the strength of the policies that the Government
has in place or is developing," Marian Hobbs said."These include last October's Power Package and the National Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy being developed this year." The
Minister said anybody considering investing in new thermal power
stations would be wise to consider fully the risks to their project from emerging
climate change and renewable energy policy.
"The Government has issued an Energy Policy Framework which clearly
states its commitment to a sustainable and efficient energy future," Marian
Hobbs said. "This includes a progressive transition to renewable sources of
energy. "In the Government's Policy Statement for Electricity (the Power
Package), the Minister of Energy, Pete Hodgson, made it clear to the
electricity industry that the Government expects greenhouse gases and
hydro spill to be minimised.
"The electricity industry faces regulation if it does not achieve these
and other objectives. "When he launched the Draft National Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy in March this year, the Minister of
Energy indicated that increasing New Zealand's use of
environmentally-friendly energy sources was one of its cornerstones.
"Officials are working to identify the most appropriate path for New
Zealand to take towards a renewable energy future and the most
appropriate mechanisms to guide the country along that path. The Government expects
to give clearer direction on this in the final National Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, being released by October 1 this year.
"Irrespective of what other countries may not be doing, New Zealand is
committed to developing and implementing a robust package of measures to
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions," Marian Hobbs said. "While we may
be a small player on the international scene, we are not small when it
comes to leadership. I am confident this Government can produce a mix of
policy and education initiatives to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
"The latest greenhouse gas inventory shows that emissions are still
rising, with carbon dioxide emissions in 1999 about 19% higher than in
1990 and transport sector emissions continuing to grow rapidly, and now
amounting to almost 40% of New Zealand's total CO2 emissions.
"Finalising a practical domestic policy package will involve
consultation with all New Zealanders. The Kyoto Protocol commits New Zealand to work
towards returning its emissions of greenhouse gases back to 1990 levels,
on average, over 2008-2012, or take responsibility for emissions above
1990 levels if it cannot meet that target.
News in Science 8/05/01 Australia's future forecast: hot, dry and more floods
The CSIRO predicts that although some areas of Australia may get more rain, it will still be drier overall. Evaporation is set to outweigh the extra rainfall A long range climate forecast for Australia released today, said it will be hotter and drier in coming decades with more droughts and flooding rains.
The CSIRO predicts that although some areas of Australia may get more rain, it will still be drier overall. Evaporation is set to outweigh the extra rainfall A long range climate forecast for Australia released today, said it will be hotter and drier in coming decades with more droughts and flooding rains.
Green tax plan to target gas, help poor
The Green Party wants higher taxes on petrol and diesel, and would use the revenue to make all income up to about $7000 tax free.
Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the plan, outlined in a submission to the Government's tax review, would be the first step in a general switch from taxing "goods" to taxing "bads."
The tax review, due to release an issues paper soon, will look at carbon taxes.
The Green Party wants higher taxes on petrol and diesel, and would use the revenue to make all income up to about $7000 tax free.
Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the plan, outlined in a submission to the Government's tax review, would be the first step in a general switch from taxing "goods" to taxing "bads."
The tax review, due to release an issues paper soon, will look at carbon taxes.
Green traffic reduction bill to go before Parlt.
Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons today had her Road Traffic Reduction Bill drawn from the private members ballot.
The bill requires national and regional governments to set binding targets for the reduction of motorised road traffic and also amends the principal objective of Transfund from simply building roads to instead providing a safe and sustainable land transport system.
Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons today had her Road Traffic Reduction Bill drawn from the private members ballot.
The bill requires national and regional governments to set binding targets for the reduction of motorised road traffic and also amends the principal objective of Transfund from simply building roads to instead providing a safe and sustainable land transport system.
N Z Herald - Tuvalu
Another of Tuvalu's claims to fame is its susceptibility to climate change. Nowhere on any of the islands does the land reach much over 4.5m above sea level. If global warming were to trigger a major rise in sea levels, this could be the first nation to go under.
The effects would be most serious in the capital island, Funafuti. While the populations on the outer islands are either stable or slowly decreasing, Funafuti is home to about half of the population. Virtually all of them are squeezed on to one islet around the lagoon.
Another of Tuvalu's claims to fame is its susceptibility to climate change. Nowhere on any of the islands does the land reach much over 4.5m above sea level. If global warming were to trigger a major rise in sea levels, this could be the first nation to go under.
The effects would be most serious in the capital island, Funafuti. While the populations on the outer islands are either stable or slowly decreasing, Funafuti is home to about half of the population. Virtually all of them are squeezed on to one islet around the lagoon.
Council In Green Venture At Whitford Landfill
Plans are being made to generate energy from the Whitford landfill, using gas from the site.
Manukau City Council and Waste Management Ltd are joint venture partners in Waste Disposal Services Ltd, which operates the landfill. They are to investigate the possibilities the site offers for "green energy" production, which has the potential benefit of generating revenue, cutting operating costs of the site, and promoting a more environmentally-friendly operation.
A gas-to-energy plant is to be installed, with two generators, each capable of producing one megawatt of power from next summer.
Plans are being made to generate energy from the Whitford landfill, using gas from the site.
Manukau City Council and Waste Management Ltd are joint venture partners in Waste Disposal Services Ltd, which operates the landfill. They are to investigate the possibilities the site offers for "green energy" production, which has the potential benefit of generating revenue, cutting operating costs of the site, and promoting a more environmentally-friendly operation.
A gas-to-energy plant is to be installed, with two generators, each capable of producing one megawatt of power from next summer.
Scientist turns the heat on global warming
Uncertainty about the extent and impacts of man-made climate change cannot be an excuse for inaction, says leading climate scientist Robert Watson.
Uncertainty about the extent and impacts of man-made climate change cannot be an excuse for inaction, says leading climate scientist Robert Watson.
Global Climate Chnage - more droughts for NZ
The South Island drought is a sign of drier weather to come as a result of global warming, a leading scientist says.
World Bank scientist Dr Robert Watson, who is chairman of the inter-governmental panel on climate change, was in Christchurch yesterday to discuss the environmental effects of climate change with Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore, Christchurch City Council officers, schoolchildren, and business leaders.
Dr Watson told The Press the South Island's driest spell in 137 years showed a warmer world would frequently produce dry weather.
The South Island drought is a sign of drier weather to come as a result of global warming, a leading scientist says.
World Bank scientist Dr Robert Watson, who is chairman of the inter-governmental panel on climate change, was in Christchurch yesterday to discuss the environmental effects of climate change with Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore, Christchurch City Council officers, schoolchildren, and business leaders.
Dr Watson told The Press the South Island's driest spell in 137 years showed a warmer world would frequently produce dry weather.
Don't be hasty over Kyoto, Clark advises
Prime Minister Helen Clark has urged Australia not to be hasty in turning its back on the Kyoto agreement on climate change.
Australian environment minister Senator Robert Hill has said the protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a dead duck without the United States. He said Australia would not sign up until the United States did.
Miss Clark said it was "far too early for Australia to reach that conclusion".
Prime Minister Helen Clark has urged Australia not to be hasty in turning its back on the Kyoto agreement on climate change.
Australian environment minister Senator Robert Hill has said the protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a dead duck without the United States. He said Australia would not sign up until the United States did.
Miss Clark said it was "far too early for Australia to reach that conclusion".
