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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Let's Get On With Carbon Tax
New Zealand could not deliver on its obligations under the climate change agreement agreed yesterday in Bonn, without a substantial increase in the domestic price of fossil fuels, the Ecologic Foundation said today.
New Zealand could not deliver on its obligations under the climate change agreement agreed yesterday in Bonn, without a substantial increase in the domestic price of fossil fuels, the Ecologic Foundation said today.
Government Cavalier With New Zealand's Future
(Agricuture sector sour grapes)
Federated Farmers is bitterly disappointed at claims that the New Zealand Government was first in line to support the compromise negotiation at COP6b in Bonn last night.
(Agricuture sector sour grapes)
Federated Farmers is bitterly disappointed at claims that the New Zealand Government was first in line to support the compromise negotiation at COP6b in Bonn last night.
Pollution: the Kyoto compromise
The Kyoto Protocol is saved, but at the probable cost of a 10-year delay in effective action to combat global warming, reports
The Kyoto Protocol is saved, but at the probable cost of a 10-year delay in effective action to combat global warming, reports
Hodgson pleased with Kyoto compromise
Environment Minister Pete Hodgson says last night's decision by international environment ministers to support a compromise on climate change protocol is more than he had dared hope for.
Environment Minister Pete Hodgson says last night's decision by international environment ministers to support a compromise on climate change protocol is more than he had dared hope for.
Kiwis happy with Bonn rescue deal
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson hailed yesterday's climate change agreement in Bonn as a good deal.
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson hailed yesterday's climate change agreement in Bonn as a good deal.
Where Next after Bonn?
Opinion Piece
The break through at Bonn is surprising and welcome.
Four things need to be part of the agenda for going forward – Kyoto ratification for the parties to the Bonn accord, in New Zealand, domestic implementation, getting the US on board and lastly the targets for the second implementation period.
Opinion Piece
The break through at Bonn is surprising and welcome.
Four things need to be part of the agenda for going forward – Kyoto ratification for the parties to the Bonn accord, in New Zealand, domestic implementation, getting the US on board and lastly the targets for the second implementation period.
Joy, huge relief as deal rescues Kyoto accord
BONN - Environment ministers meeting in Germany reached a last-minute compromise deal last night to salvage the Kyoto accord on cutting the greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.
BONN - Environment ministers meeting in Germany reached a last-minute compromise deal last night to salvage the Kyoto accord on cutting the greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.
Bonn Decision
pdf download
pdf download
Support for Renewable Energy Essential - G8 Report
A report on the role of renewable energy in reducing environmental impacts and energy security risks, prepared by a working group for the G8 conference, is great news for New Zealand" said Alistair Wilson chairman of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.
A report on the role of renewable energy in reducing environmental impacts and energy security risks, prepared by a working group for the G8 conference, is great news for New Zealand" said Alistair Wilson chairman of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.
Congratulations To Pete Hodgson
Congratulations to Pete Hodgson, Minister for the Environment, and his staff, for their work on the Bonn agreement. They have demonstrated what New Zealanders who are passionate, and believe in their country's potential as international brokers, can accomplish.
Congratulations to Pete Hodgson, Minister for the Environment, and his staff, for their work on the Bonn agreement. They have demonstrated what New Zealanders who are passionate, and believe in their country's potential as international brokers, can accomplish.
Text of G8 Concluding Communique
Is being reported as a disagreement on climate change - however they agree on the fundamentals.
"23. We confirm our determination to find global solutions to threats endangering the planet. We recognize that climate change is a pressing issue that requires a global solution. We are committed to providing strong leadership. Prompt, effective and sustainable action is needed, consistent with the ultimate objective of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. We are determined to meet our national commitments and our obligations under the convention through a variety of flexible means, drawing on the power of markets and technology. In this context, we agree on the importance of intensifying cooperation on climate-related science and research. We shall promote cooperation between our countries and developing countries on technology transfer and capacity building.
Is being reported as a disagreement on climate change - however they agree on the fundamentals.
"23. We confirm our determination to find global solutions to threats endangering the planet. We recognize that climate change is a pressing issue that requires a global solution. We are committed to providing strong leadership. Prompt, effective and sustainable action is needed, consistent with the ultimate objective of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. We are determined to meet our national commitments and our obligations under the convention through a variety of flexible means, drawing on the power of markets and technology. In this context, we agree on the importance of intensifying cooperation on climate-related science and research. We shall promote cooperation between our countries and developing countries on technology transfer and capacity building.
pdf download
"The U.S. National Academy of Sciences recently completed a review of
climate change science. This 19-page side-by-side report by the American Petroleum Institute provides
information on the similarities and differences in the conclusions of the
National Academy of Sciences and those of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change.
"The U.S. National Academy of Sciences recently completed a review of
climate change science. This 19-page side-by-side report by the American Petroleum Institute provides
information on the similarities and differences in the conclusions of the
National Academy of Sciences and those of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change.
Scoop: Mayoral Forum Supports Clean Air Campaign
The Auckland Regional Council campaign to clean-up Auckland air quality is building momentum says Auckland Mayoral Forum chair Chris Fletcher.
The Auckland Regional Council campaign to clean-up Auckland air quality is building momentum says Auckland Mayoral Forum chair Chris Fletcher.
Signiticant Global Warming During The 21st Century
New research published in Europe and the United States today discloses an even greater prospect of significant global warming over the next century unless world-wide mitigation policies are introduced, senior NIWA climate scientist Dr Jim Salinger said today.
New research published in Europe and the United States today discloses an even greater prospect of significant global warming over the next century unless world-wide mitigation policies are introduced, senior NIWA climate scientist Dr Jim Salinger said today.
Hodgson key role in Bonn
Minister Pete Hodgson (New Zealand) reported on his consultations on the mechanisms. He said that although no explicit agreement was reached, progress on some matters had been made, in particular with the introduction of new words “that might fly”.
On equity, he reported that the issue for the G-77/China was that the CDM allows an increase of emissions in Annex I Parties and a decrease in non-Annex I Parties. He suggested wording in terms of which Annex I Parties should implement domestic action according to national circumstances, with a view to reducing per capita emissions in a manner conducive to reducing the per capita inequities in emissions between developed and developing countries. On supplementarity, he said the EU had “moved big distances.” He reported that he had suggested: text including a reference to “significant” as an elaboration of the term “supplemental”; that Annex I Parties provide relevant information in relation to such “significant” domestic action; and that the facilitative branch of the Compliance Committee would address questions of implementation on this issue. On nuclear, he suggested an addition to the language in the Pronk text giving an assessment role to the host country. On the Supervisory Committee, Minister Hodgson said the “ball is in the court” of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. He concluded by saying that the issues of the commitment period reserve level and of compliance as eligibility would be settled once there is agreement on the legally binding nature of the compliance regime.
Minister Pete Hodgson (New Zealand) reported on his consultations on the mechanisms. He said that although no explicit agreement was reached, progress on some matters had been made, in particular with the introduction of new words “that might fly”.
On equity, he reported that the issue for the G-77/China was that the CDM allows an increase of emissions in Annex I Parties and a decrease in non-Annex I Parties. He suggested wording in terms of which Annex I Parties should implement domestic action according to national circumstances, with a view to reducing per capita emissions in a manner conducive to reducing the per capita inequities in emissions between developed and developing countries. On supplementarity, he said the EU had “moved big distances.” He reported that he had suggested: text including a reference to “significant” as an elaboration of the term “supplemental”; that Annex I Parties provide relevant information in relation to such “significant” domestic action; and that the facilitative branch of the Compliance Committee would address questions of implementation on this issue. On nuclear, he suggested an addition to the language in the Pronk text giving an assessment role to the host country. On the Supervisory Committee, Minister Hodgson said the “ball is in the court” of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. He concluded by saying that the issues of the commitment period reserve level and of compliance as eligibility would be settled once there is agreement on the legally binding nature of the compliance regime.
Pronk reports on Kyoto negotiation progress at Bonn
However, he noted lengthy discussions on several issues, including equity, supplementarity and nuclear. He said Minister Pete Hodgson of New Zealand would convene further talks on this issue.
However, he noted lengthy discussions on several issues, including equity, supplementarity and nuclear. He said Minister Pete Hodgson of New Zealand would convene further talks on this issue.
Dobrinski statement to Bonn conference
While we do not believe the Kyoto Protocol is sound public policy for
the United States, we do not intend to prevent others from going ahead
with the treaty, so long as they do not harm legitimate U.S.
interests.
While we do not believe the Kyoto Protocol is sound public policy for
the United States, we do not intend to prevent others from going ahead
with the treaty, so long as they do not harm legitimate U.S.
interests.
NZ offers homes to sinking Tuvalu
New Zealand is likely to take in some of the inhabitants of a tiny Pacific island nation whose homes are being swallowed by rising sea levels - unlike Australia which has shut them out.
New Zealand is likely to take in some of the inhabitants of a tiny Pacific island nation whose homes are being swallowed by rising sea levels - unlike Australia which has shut them out.
Kyoto pact could go into effect minus US
BONN - The United States, the world's biggest greenhouse gas polluter, looked isolated yesterday on the third day of United Nations talks in Bonn on global warming.
BONN - The United States, the world's biggest greenhouse gas polluter, looked isolated yesterday on the third day of United Nations talks in Bonn on global warming.
Turbine company runs out of puff
Wind turbine company Vortec Energy is being wound up because its project is uneconomic, despite having raised $23 million in the past five years.
Vortec, launched in 1994, told shareholders last week its revolutionary new technology was not economically viable.
Wind turbine company Vortec Energy is being wound up because its project is uneconomic, despite having raised $23 million in the past five years.
Vortec, launched in 1994, told shareholders last week its revolutionary new technology was not economically viable.
The Economic Effects of Low-level Carbon Charges
Ministry for the Environment paper - input to the tax review.
Ministry for the Environment paper - input to the tax review.
Auckland City blacklists Mobil
Auckland City has set a precedent by calling on its citizens to boycott Mobil petrol stations.
Auckland City has set a precedent by calling on its citizens to boycott Mobil petrol stations.
Forest sinks and the Kyoto Protocol
The Government today released an information document on forest sinks and the Kyoto Protocol as part of its efforts to improve understanding of climate change issues.
The Government today released an information document on forest sinks and the Kyoto Protocol as part of its efforts to improve understanding of climate change issues.
Government hires negotiator to deal with gas emissions
Maria Robertson, who chairs the Greenhouse Policy Coalition which represents most of the major emitters, welcomed Mr Roche's appointment.
Preliminary talks with officials had been fruitful and shown a lot of common ground, she said, but the international uncertainty about the future of the Kyoto Protocol had diverted a lot of attention from the domestic policy programme.
Maria Robertson, who chairs the Greenhouse Policy Coalition which represents most of the major emitters, welcomed Mr Roche's appointment.
Preliminary talks with officials had been fruitful and shown a lot of common ground, she said, but the international uncertainty about the future of the Kyoto Protocol had diverted a lot of attention from the domestic policy programme.
How uncertain are scientists on recent climate change being man-made?
Some extracts from statements by eminent scientific bodies
Some extracts from statements by eminent scientific bodies
Conference News UNFCCC COP-6bis (Bonn, July 2001)
Daily news on Bonn COP 6.2 IISD
Daily news on Bonn COP 6.2 IISD
COP6, PART 2 Conference Proceedings Live on the Internet
People around the world can use the Internet to follow the negotiations at the resumed session of the Conference of the Parties of the Climate Change Convention and its subsidiary bodies. From today, 16 July, to the end of the conference on 27 July, all official meetings and other selected events will be available from the conference website: unfccc.int/cop6_2.
People around the world can use the Internet to follow the negotiations at the resumed session of the Conference of the Parties of the Climate Change Convention and its subsidiary bodies. From today, 16 July, to the end of the conference on 27 July, all official meetings and other selected events will be available from the conference website: unfccc.int/cop6_2.
Govt Appoints Greenhouse Agreement Negotiator
The Government has appointed Brian Roche as its negotiator to begin developing Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from major emitters.
The Government has appointed Brian Roche as its negotiator to begin developing Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from major emitters.
Hodgson to Bonn for climate talks
Pete Hodgson, Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, departs for Germany tomorrow to represent New Zealand at a world conference on climate change.
Pete Hodgson, Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, departs for Germany tomorrow to represent New Zealand at a world conference on climate change.
Bush Is Going in the Wrong Direction on Emissions (Article in Newsday by US based EDS director.)
By Charles F. Wurster. Charles F. Wurster is a professor emeritus of environmental sciences at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. Bush has done us a favor by elevating the dialogue on global warming and energy policy to national and international attention. They are high-priority economic and environmental problems for the 21st century.
By Charles F. Wurster. Charles F. Wurster is a professor emeritus of environmental sciences at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. Bush has done us a favor by elevating the dialogue on global warming and energy policy to national and international attention. They are high-priority economic and environmental problems for the 21st century.
Kyoto pact needs last-minute reprieve
The United Nations' landmark accord on global warming, the Kyoto Protocol, looks set to be put on ice at talks in Bonn this week, fuelling worries about the lengthening delay in tackling climate change as scientific evidence about the peril mounts.
The United Nations' landmark accord on global warming, the Kyoto Protocol, looks set to be put on ice at talks in Bonn this week, fuelling worries about the lengthening delay in tackling climate change as scientific evidence about the peril mounts.
Windflow slams Huntly CO2 consent application
Windflow Technology director and chief executive, Geoff Henderson, has labelled the Genesis "Energy Efficiency Enhancement" project at Huntly power station a sham. State-owned generator, Genesis, is seeking a resource consent to increase Huntly's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 50% to 4.6 megatonnes per year.
Windflow Technology director and chief executive, Geoff Henderson, has labelled the Genesis "Energy Efficiency Enhancement" project at Huntly power station a sham. State-owned generator, Genesis, is seeking a resource consent to increase Huntly's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 50% to 4.6 megatonnes per year.
Bonn chance for the Kyoto protocol
BRIAN FALLOW reports that the international deal to cut greenhouse gases could be salvaged without US participation, but the outlook is not good.
Ministers gather in Bonn next week in a bid to salvage the Kyoto Protocol, which is the closest the world has yet come to an international agreement to tackle global warming.
The prospects do not look good.
BRIAN FALLOW reports that the international deal to cut greenhouse gases could be salvaged without US participation, but the outlook is not good.
Ministers gather in Bonn next week in a bid to salvage the Kyoto Protocol, which is the closest the world has yet come to an international agreement to tackle global warming.
The prospects do not look good.
NZ - Some good in climate warming
The experts say climate change is not all bad news - at least in the short term. The latest predictions are for extreme droughts and flooding, new diseases and rising sea levels.
The report also forecasts drier conditions in eastern New Zealand, retreating snowlines and glaciers, increasing erosion and saltwater intrusion, increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ecosystems under attack from new species.
The experts say climate change is not all bad news - at least in the short term. The latest predictions are for extreme droughts and flooding, new diseases and rising sea levels.
The report also forecasts drier conditions in eastern New Zealand, retreating snowlines and glaciers, increasing erosion and saltwater intrusion, increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ecosystems under attack from new species.
More criticisim of IEA report - NZ Photovoltaic Association
"I am very surprised that this IEA report appears to undermine the
Government's visionary energy policy statement which demonstrates a good
understanding of the need to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, and grow the
use of sustainable energy technologies in our electricity system" said Dr
Bittar.
The IEA applauds the use of equitable market mechanisms, yet fails to
comment negatively on the imbalance in market mechanisms caused the huge tax
subsidies provided for fossil fuel exploration and development in New
Zealand. New Zealand taxpayers pay the fossil fuel industry $182 in
taxation relief for every $100 they spend on exploration in New Zealand.
This appears to be the highest fossil fuel mining subsidy in the world. [Tax
Review Issues Paper Table 4.6]
"If the renewable energy industry had a minus 182% taxation relief support
package, then other support mechanisms would not be needed. However, it is
clear this fossil fuel subsidy is not going to be withdrawn. So another
support mechanism within the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Strategy is essential if the huge potential for more use of solar
electricity and other renewable energy sources is to be realised" said Dr
Bittar.
"I am very surprised that this IEA report appears to undermine the
Government's visionary energy policy statement which demonstrates a good
understanding of the need to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, and grow the
use of sustainable energy technologies in our electricity system" said Dr
Bittar.
The IEA applauds the use of equitable market mechanisms, yet fails to
comment negatively on the imbalance in market mechanisms caused the huge tax
subsidies provided for fossil fuel exploration and development in New
Zealand. New Zealand taxpayers pay the fossil fuel industry $182 in
taxation relief for every $100 they spend on exploration in New Zealand.
This appears to be the highest fossil fuel mining subsidy in the world. [Tax
Review Issues Paper Table 4.6]
"If the renewable energy industry had a minus 182% taxation relief support
package, then other support mechanisms would not be needed. However, it is
clear this fossil fuel subsidy is not going to be withdrawn. So another
support mechanism within the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Strategy is essential if the huge potential for more use of solar
electricity and other renewable energy sources is to be realised" said Dr
Bittar.
IEA Involvement Squashes Renewables!
Press Release from the New Zealand Wind Energy Association July 12 2001.
"The latest IEA report on energy use in New Zealand must be condemned as a
sham of biased and outdated tunnel vision thinking" said Alistair Wilson,
Chairman of the NZ Wind Energy Association (NZWEA).
"Fossil fuelled business appears to have influenced the response prepared by
the Ministry of Economic Development and used by the International Energy
Agency (IEA) to prepare the report on New Zealand. Their work is at odds
with, and undermines, all of the submissions from the renewable energy
industry and those passionate public who wanted to be involved in the
development of the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy for
New Zealand" said Mr Wilson.
"NZWEA is very disappointed in the IEA's lack of support for the sustainable
energy future which is published Government policy. It appears like an
attempt to kill off the development of new sustainable energy industries in
New Zealand before they even get to first base".
A national strategy for promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy
is currently being developed by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Authority (EECA) and Ministry for the Environment (MfE). Public
consultations on the draft document have been completed, but the final
version of the strategy is not due for release until 1 October. "The IEA
have pulled the rug out from under them with this biased and one-sided
report" said Mr Wilson.
The strongest sentiments that the IEA recommended for the New Zealand
renewable energy industry is that we 'consider how small-scale renewable
sources of energy can efficiently participate in the competitive electricity
market', and 'encourage small-scale renewable energy generators to address
problems of reliability and to improve overall operational efficiency S'
Mr Wilson contended that it was clear that the IEA report was completely out
of kilter with their own sustainability objectives, and clearly is not in
New Zealand's sustainable interest.
Mr Wilson then cited examples of measures to support renewable energy that
the IEA had included in other country reports. [These are available at
www.iea.org]
Press Release from the New Zealand Wind Energy Association July 12 2001.
"The latest IEA report on energy use in New Zealand must be condemned as a
sham of biased and outdated tunnel vision thinking" said Alistair Wilson,
Chairman of the NZ Wind Energy Association (NZWEA).
"Fossil fuelled business appears to have influenced the response prepared by
the Ministry of Economic Development and used by the International Energy
Agency (IEA) to prepare the report on New Zealand. Their work is at odds
with, and undermines, all of the submissions from the renewable energy
industry and those passionate public who wanted to be involved in the
development of the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy for
New Zealand" said Mr Wilson.
"NZWEA is very disappointed in the IEA's lack of support for the sustainable
energy future which is published Government policy. It appears like an
attempt to kill off the development of new sustainable energy industries in
New Zealand before they even get to first base".
A national strategy for promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy
is currently being developed by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Authority (EECA) and Ministry for the Environment (MfE). Public
consultations on the draft document have been completed, but the final
version of the strategy is not due for release until 1 October. "The IEA
have pulled the rug out from under them with this biased and one-sided
report" said Mr Wilson.
The strongest sentiments that the IEA recommended for the New Zealand
renewable energy industry is that we 'consider how small-scale renewable
sources of energy can efficiently participate in the competitive electricity
market', and 'encourage small-scale renewable energy generators to address
problems of reliability and to improve overall operational efficiency S'
Mr Wilson contended that it was clear that the IEA report was completely out
of kilter with their own sustainability objectives, and clearly is not in
New Zealand's sustainable interest.
Mr Wilson then cited examples of measures to support renewable energy that
the IEA had included in other country reports. [These are available at
www.iea.org]
Climate change effects in NZ - govt report
"Every aspect of New Zealand life will be affected in one way or another," Mr Hodgson said. "There will be winners and losers in the short term, but there is little question that in the long run our economy and human welfare will be under substantial threat if we don't respond to the issue."
The expected impacts covered in the report include:
drier conditions in eastern New Zealand;
risk of more frequent extreme events such as floods and droughts;
retreating snowlines and glaciers;
rising sea levels, with increased risk of erosion and saltwater intrusion;
possible productivity gains for agriculture, coupled with increased risk of droughts and spreading pests and diseases;
increased vulnerability of native ecosystems to invasion by exotic species;
increased risk to human health from subtropical diseases and ultraviolet radiation, benefits of warmer winters and risks from hot summers.
"Every aspect of New Zealand life will be affected in one way or another," Mr Hodgson said. "There will be winners and losers in the short term, but there is little question that in the long run our economy and human welfare will be under substantial threat if we don't respond to the issue."
The expected impacts covered in the report include:
drier conditions in eastern New Zealand;
risk of more frequent extreme events such as floods and droughts;
retreating snowlines and glaciers;
rising sea levels, with increased risk of erosion and saltwater intrusion;
possible productivity gains for agriculture, coupled with increased risk of droughts and spreading pests and diseases;
increased vulnerability of native ecosystems to invasion by exotic species;
increased risk to human health from subtropical diseases and ultraviolet radiation, benefits of warmer winters and risks from hot summers.
Giant icebergs likely for NZ in global warming
Giant icebergs from Antarctica were once common in New Zealand waters and because of climate change they could return.
Giant icebergs from Antarctica were once common in New Zealand waters and because of climate change they could return.
Alarm bells sound over gas reserves
New Zealand gas prices will rise and petrochemical plants will be forced to close if new gas reserves are not discovered before the Maui field starts running out in 2005, says the International Energy Agency.
Executive director Robert Priddle said there would be big consequences for New Zealand, including an increased reliance on coal for electricity generation.
New Zealand gas prices will rise and petrochemical plants will be forced to close if new gas reserves are not discovered before the Maui field starts running out in 2005, says the International Energy Agency.
Executive director Robert Priddle said there would be big consequences for New Zealand, including an increased reliance on coal for electricity generation.
New Zealand News - NZ - Power plant promises less carbon
Genesis Power says a $400 million extension of the Huntly Power Station would create more electricity while producing less harmful gas.
The new plant could generate 400MW of electricity, bringing the total power up to 1400MW.
General manager Vincent Hawksworth told a joint hearings committee yesterday that the plant would be 50 per cent more efficient than the existing one and would discharge 40 per cent less carbon dioxide.
In agreement with the Environmental Defence Society, Genesis power has capped its carbon dioxide emissions to 4.6 megatonnes a year for the existing and new site.
But opponents, including Windflow Technology director Geoff Henderson, claim the discharges would be double current emissions, which were 2 megatonnes last year.
Genesis Power says a $400 million extension of the Huntly Power Station would create more electricity while producing less harmful gas.
The new plant could generate 400MW of electricity, bringing the total power up to 1400MW.
General manager Vincent Hawksworth told a joint hearings committee yesterday that the plant would be 50 per cent more efficient than the existing one and would discharge 40 per cent less carbon dioxide.
In agreement with the Environmental Defence Society, Genesis power has capped its carbon dioxide emissions to 4.6 megatonnes a year for the existing and new site.
But opponents, including Windflow Technology director Geoff Henderson, claim the discharges would be double current emissions, which were 2 megatonnes last year.
IEA review of NZ energy policy
Pirorities:
Update energy sector outlook scenarios.
· Greenhouse gas emissions:
- develop a cost-effective package of policies and measures, based on all technically feasible options, for achieving our emissions target;
- develop measures such as emissions trading and credits for sinks;
- ensure methane emissions from agriculture and carbon dioxide emissions from transport, as well as energy sector emissions, are addressed.
· Give priority in the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to improving efficiency of energy use in transport, domestic space heating, water heating and electrical appliances.
Pirorities:
Update energy sector outlook scenarios.
· Greenhouse gas emissions:
- develop a cost-effective package of policies and measures, based on all technically feasible options, for achieving our emissions target;
- develop measures such as emissions trading and credits for sinks;
- ensure methane emissions from agriculture and carbon dioxide emissions from transport, as well as energy sector emissions, are addressed.
· Give priority in the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to improving efficiency of energy use in transport, domestic space heating, water heating and electrical appliances.
Greens Urge Kyoto Target Achievements
Green Party Co-Leader Rod Donald today congratulated the New Zealand Government for criticising the Australian Government's decision not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
"We are pleased that the New Zealand Government has reinforced its commitment to the treaty," said Mr Donald.
Green Party Co-Leader Rod Donald today congratulated the New Zealand Government for criticising the Australian Government's decision not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
"We are pleased that the New Zealand Government has reinforced its commitment to the treaty," said Mr Donald.
Winflow Technology letter to Hobbs
In summary we urge you to revisit the report of the 1994 Board of Inquiry into the Taranaki Combined Cycle station and to adopt its recommendations rather than the flawed decision of your predecessor. A new Board of Inquiry may be advisable if you believe that developments since 1994 need to be taken into account. If so, we would urge you to call in the Genesis proposal for Huntly, which is disingenuously being called an "energy efficiency enhancement" project, and/or the new Taranaki project. Otherwise we would urge you to issue a National Policy Statement as outlined above.
In summary we urge you to revisit the report of the 1994 Board of Inquiry into the Taranaki Combined Cycle station and to adopt its recommendations rather than the flawed decision of your predecessor. A new Board of Inquiry may be advisable if you believe that developments since 1994 need to be taken into account. If so, we would urge you to call in the Genesis proposal for Huntly, which is disingenuously being called an "energy efficiency enhancement" project, and/or the new Taranaki project. Otherwise we would urge you to issue a National Policy Statement as outlined above.
NZers Awareness Of Climate Change Poor - Survey
A survey has shown that few New Zealanders are aware of the significance of climate change.
Pete Hodgson, Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, today released the results of a UMR Research survey of knowledge and concern about climate change in New Zealand. The survey of more than 750 New Zealanders aged 18 or over found that while people did not know much about climate change, they did want to know more and were generally prepared to take steps to "do their bit" if government led the way.
A survey has shown that few New Zealanders are aware of the significance of climate change.
Pete Hodgson, Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, today released the results of a UMR Research survey of knowledge and concern about climate change in New Zealand. The survey of more than 750 New Zealanders aged 18 or over found that while people did not know much about climate change, they did want to know more and were generally prepared to take steps to "do their bit" if government led the way.
Scoop: Kangaroos In The Top Paddock Again
The Government is not going to raise the price of petrol by 70 cents a litre to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
The Government is not going to raise the price of petrol by 70 cents a litre to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
Scoop: Pete Hodgson's Dream: 70 Cent Hike On Petrol Press Release: ACT New Zealand
The Government is attempting to soften the New Zealand public to a rise in taxes to enforce flawed environmental measures, ACT MP Gerry Eckhoff said today.
The Government is attempting to soften the New Zealand public to a rise in taxes to enforce flawed environmental measures, ACT MP Gerry Eckhoff said today.
New Zealand Constructive In Climate Talks
Greenpeace, attending the climate talks in the Hague over the past two days, said that generally New Zealand had taken a constructive role.
"However New Zealand's negotiating allies Canada and Australia have taken seriously regressive positions, for example they are trying to resurrect the inclusion of nuclear energy in the Kyoto talks", said Bill Hare, Greenpeace Climate Policy Director.
Greenpeace, attending the climate talks in the Hague over the past two days, said that generally New Zealand had taken a constructive role.
"However New Zealand's negotiating allies Canada and Australia have taken seriously regressive positions, for example they are trying to resurrect the inclusion of nuclear energy in the Kyoto talks", said Bill Hare, Greenpeace Climate Policy Director.
NZ, Aussie split on Kyoto
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson says New Zealand will continue to strive for limits on greenhouse gas emissions, despite a backdown by Australia.
Mr Hodgson was responding to weekend reports that Australia will now not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, which requires developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-2012.
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson says New Zealand will continue to strive for limits on greenhouse gas emissions, despite a backdown by Australia.
Mr Hodgson was responding to weekend reports that Australia will now not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, which requires developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-2012.
Climate suspect in pest influx
New Zealand's climate affects the distribution of plants and the pests that attack them.
Dr Stephen Goldson, programme leader of the AgResearch Biocontrol and Biosecurity Group, says the arrival of new insect species such as tussock moth, the clover root weevil, Varroa mite and the salt marsh mosquito may be the result of climate change.
New Zealand's climate affects the distribution of plants and the pests that attack them.
Dr Stephen Goldson, programme leader of the AgResearch Biocontrol and Biosecurity Group, says the arrival of new insect species such as tussock moth, the clover root weevil, Varroa mite and the salt marsh mosquito may be the result of climate change.
Australia and EU at loggerheads over global warming
Australia has failed to give any assurances to a visiting European Union delegation that it will ratify the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse emissions.
The deadlock comes just two weeks before countries party to the Climate Change Convention meet in Bonn to seek ways of advancing the protocol.
Australia has failed to give any assurances to a visiting European Union delegation that it will ratify the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse emissions.
The deadlock comes just two weeks before countries party to the Climate Change Convention meet in Bonn to seek ways of advancing the protocol.
Helen Clark Speech To Welcome Dr Klaus Töpfer
While we ourselves, for example, are relatively minor contributors to the greenhouse gas problem, we accept our responsibility to take measures to avert devastating climate change.
Urgent international agreement is needed to reduce greenhouse gases. We would like to see the Kyoto Protocol process back on track and are working as hard as we can to support the engagement of all the key players in it.
While we ourselves, for example, are relatively minor contributors to the greenhouse gas problem, we accept our responsibility to take measures to avert devastating climate change.
Urgent international agreement is needed to reduce greenhouse gases. We would like to see the Kyoto Protocol process back on track and are working as hard as we can to support the engagement of all the key players in it.
Windflow Offer - Just Short
The Windflow Technology share offer closed yesterday, raising 76% of the minimum of $2m required to establish local wind turbine manufacturing.
The Windflow Technology share offer closed yesterday, raising 76% of the minimum of $2m required to establish local wind turbine manufacturing.
