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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
A filthy smokescreen sure to choke us all
Told of reservations in New Zealand about this country's getting ahead of our competitors in signing the Kyoto accord, he explodes.
"New Zealand's actions have been absolutely scandalous. If I was a New Zealander I would be ashamed of your country's position, as I am of Canada and Australia.
"Canada and Australia have been two of the countries bellyaching like mad - Australia snivelling all the time about how difficult it is. I land in Australia and I can't believe it. They have something that is free called sunlight. You go to Sydney and you don't see solar panels everywhere and that country is bellyaching about meeting the Kyoto targets?
"I think it's absolutely reprehensible. I think it's humiliating, especially a country like New Zealand, given the forests you've got and the water you've got. There are all kinds of alternatives."
Told of reservations in New Zealand about this country's getting ahead of our competitors in signing the Kyoto accord, he explodes.
"New Zealand's actions have been absolutely scandalous. If I was a New Zealander I would be ashamed of your country's position, as I am of Canada and Australia.
"Canada and Australia have been two of the countries bellyaching like mad - Australia snivelling all the time about how difficult it is. I land in Australia and I can't believe it. They have something that is free called sunlight. You go to Sydney and you don't see solar panels everywhere and that country is bellyaching about meeting the Kyoto targets?
"I think it's absolutely reprehensible. I think it's humiliating, especially a country like New Zealand, given the forests you've got and the water you've got. There are all kinds of alternatives."
New NZIER report on Kyoto Protocol: Hodgson's view
The latest NZIER report on the Kyoto Protocol fails to improve the
Institute's poor standard of research and commentary on the issue, says the
Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"The Kyoto Protocol: issues for New Zealand's participation" [Eds: released
Friday with embargo to 1am Monday 25 February 2002] was prepared by the New
Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) for the Climate Change Pan
Industry Group.
"The report repeats the mistaken claim that New Zealand will be an early
ratifying nation," Mr Hodgson said. "By our intended ratification date in
August, more than half of all nations with emissions targets under the
Protocol will have ratified.
"The report repeats the mistaken claim that adjustment costs will fall
disproportionately on New Zealand. This country will be a net seller - not
a net buyer - of emission units on the global carbon market, which is just
one reason why ratification is New Zealand's economic interests.
"The report repeats the mistaken claim that New Zealand's ratification of
the Protocol would be irreversible - it wouldn't be - and that New Zealand
is unable to manage uncertainty about when other nations will join. The
uncertainty is manageable, as our preferred policy outline to be released
in April will show.
"The report argues that the cost of reducing the rate of climate change
must not exceed the cost of mitigation, but does so without attempting to
quantify the cost of doing nothing. There is good reason to expect it would
be huge.
"The big industry groups that have funded this report have not received
good value for their money. There are no facts in the report that are not
already on the public record and the accompanying commentary is closer to
polemic than analysis."
The latest NZIER report on the Kyoto Protocol fails to improve the
Institute's poor standard of research and commentary on the issue, says the
Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"The Kyoto Protocol: issues for New Zealand's participation" [Eds: released
Friday with embargo to 1am Monday 25 February 2002] was prepared by the New
Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) for the Climate Change Pan
Industry Group.
"The report repeats the mistaken claim that New Zealand will be an early
ratifying nation," Mr Hodgson said. "By our intended ratification date in
August, more than half of all nations with emissions targets under the
Protocol will have ratified.
"The report repeats the mistaken claim that adjustment costs will fall
disproportionately on New Zealand. This country will be a net seller - not
a net buyer - of emission units on the global carbon market, which is just
one reason why ratification is New Zealand's economic interests.
"The report repeats the mistaken claim that New Zealand's ratification of
the Protocol would be irreversible - it wouldn't be - and that New Zealand
is unable to manage uncertainty about when other nations will join. The
uncertainty is manageable, as our preferred policy outline to be released
in April will show.
"The report argues that the cost of reducing the rate of climate change
must not exceed the cost of mitigation, but does so without attempting to
quantify the cost of doing nothing. There is good reason to expect it would
be huge.
"The big industry groups that have funded this report have not received
good value for their money. There are no facts in the report that are not
already on the public record and the accompanying commentary is closer to
polemic than analysis."
Response to the IER Report
"The Kyoto Protocol imposes heavier burdens on New Zealand than on other developed countries, says the Institute of Economic Research.
It argues that there are factors peculiar to the New Zealand economy that would make the costs of adjustment disproportionately high. "
This report fails a simple test of reasonableness – New Zealand can meet its 1st commitment period commitments by doing exactly nothing. How could nothing be a shock? Of course New Zealand should not do nothing but it has soft options where it chooses to use them.
"The Kyoto Protocol imposes heavier burdens on New Zealand than on other developed countries, says the Institute of Economic Research.
It argues that there are factors peculiar to the New Zealand economy that would make the costs of adjustment disproportionately high. "
This report fails a simple test of reasonableness – New Zealand can meet its 1st commitment period commitments by doing exactly nothing. How could nothing be a shock? Of course New Zealand should not do nothing but it has soft options where it chooses to use them.
Kyoto cost will hit us hardest
The Kyoto Protocol imposes heavier burdens on New Zealand than on other developed countries, says the Institute of Economic Research.
The Kyoto Protocol imposes heavier burdens on New Zealand than on other developed countries, says the Institute of Economic Research.
Kyoto ratification
New Zealand will ratify the Kyoto protocol ahead of major trading partners and has to accept some uncertainly in the analysis of the possible effects on competitiveness, productivity, sectors and regions in doing so, Finance Minister Michael Cullen says.
New Zealand will ratify the Kyoto protocol ahead of major trading partners and has to accept some uncertainly in the analysis of the possible effects on competitiveness, productivity, sectors and regions in doing so, Finance Minister Michael Cullen says.
Cullen Address To EMA Kyoto Protocol Conference
Another important principle says policies must be responsive to the changing international context for action on climate change.
One implication of this is that our policies must recognise some of those immutable uncertainties about the future, including changes in our emissions profile, in technology, and the international environment. Policies must be adaptable and flexible, recognising the need for business and others to be able to accept them and respond to the policy changes that will inevitably be necessary in years and decades to come.
Another important principle says policies must be responsive to the changing international context for action on climate change.
One implication of this is that our policies must recognise some of those immutable uncertainties about the future, including changes in our emissions profile, in technology, and the international environment. Policies must be adaptable and flexible, recognising the need for business and others to be able to accept them and respond to the policy changes that will inevitably be necessary in years and decades to come.
NZ Should Not Go Into Cold Alone On Kyoto
"Government is putting thousands of New Zealanders jobs in agriculture and heavy industry at risk by rushing ahead of Australia in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol," says National leader Bill English.
"Government is putting thousands of New Zealanders jobs in agriculture and heavy industry at risk by rushing ahead of Australia in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol," says National leader Bill English.
Action on global warming up to politicians, says UN expert
Global warming is a reality, but whether it is a problem that warrants action is a political question not a scientific one, says the United Nations' top climate scientist.
"But I would say that the very large majority of [climate]scientists would agree that the Earth's climate is warming and that further warming is absolutely inevitable," he said.
Most climate models suggest that so far we had felt only 50-70 per cent of the effects of the emissions that have already occurred, he said.
Global warming is a reality, but whether it is a problem that warrants action is a political question not a scientific one, says the United Nations' top climate scientist.
"But I would say that the very large majority of [climate]scientists would agree that the Earth's climate is warming and that further warming is absolutely inevitable," he said.
Most climate models suggest that so far we had felt only 50-70 per cent of the effects of the emissions that have already occurred, he said.
EDS Press release
BUSH PLAN FOR GREEN HOUSE GAS HAS NO CREDIBILITY
The Environmental Defence Society has condemned the announcement by US President George W. Bush on US policy on green house gas emission moderation.
Society spokesperson Garry Law said “The formula announced by the President would allow the US to increase its emissions in the next 10 years if it achieves only modest economic growth. With greater growth, greater emissions are allowed. The President appealed for achievement of environmental goals to be linked to economic growth to be affordable, but by his formula, greater economic growth allows more emissions, it does not pay for greater lowering of emissions.
“The world needs to start on reducing emissions not allowing increases. Affordability is very important but so are the potential costs of doing too little. The world’s present level of emissions are not sustainable and will have grave economic impacts if they continue.
“The target he has announced, linking emissions to economic growth means there is no material target at all until after the economic data is in. Gas emission intensity (the ratio emissions to the size of the economy) is an interesting ‘after the fact’ statistic but no way to set a target, said Mr Law.
“President Bush restated the US commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is welcome, but he should remember the commitment in that Convention for developed countries to take the lead in tackling the problem.
“The rest of the would will not see this as leadership from the US. For the world’s largest per capita emitter this is simply self interest. It does not even pretend to be a proposal which could be converted into an international agreement.
“What is bizarre is that Mr Bush chose to announce his policy at the same time as announcing dramatic reductions in emissions for pollutants which operate at a national scale within the US. For these he enthusiastically backed national emission trading. US industry will not have a choice about complying with this. Yet when a global problem like green house gases is addressed, the solution is to be voluntary and not engaging a global market for emissions. The contradiction is startling said Mr Law.
“The decision of the EU, now followed by almost all the other parties, to pursue the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol after its rejection by the US President is all the more justified. The US does not have the alternative it had said it would offer. Kyoto ratification remains the only credible way of proceeding to tackle the problem by international agreement.
BUSH PLAN FOR GREEN HOUSE GAS HAS NO CREDIBILITY
The Environmental Defence Society has condemned the announcement by US President George W. Bush on US policy on green house gas emission moderation.
Society spokesperson Garry Law said “The formula announced by the President would allow the US to increase its emissions in the next 10 years if it achieves only modest economic growth. With greater growth, greater emissions are allowed. The President appealed for achievement of environmental goals to be linked to economic growth to be affordable, but by his formula, greater economic growth allows more emissions, it does not pay for greater lowering of emissions.
“The world needs to start on reducing emissions not allowing increases. Affordability is very important but so are the potential costs of doing too little. The world’s present level of emissions are not sustainable and will have grave economic impacts if they continue.
“The target he has announced, linking emissions to economic growth means there is no material target at all until after the economic data is in. Gas emission intensity (the ratio emissions to the size of the economy) is an interesting ‘after the fact’ statistic but no way to set a target, said Mr Law.
“President Bush restated the US commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is welcome, but he should remember the commitment in that Convention for developed countries to take the lead in tackling the problem.
“The rest of the would will not see this as leadership from the US. For the world’s largest per capita emitter this is simply self interest. It does not even pretend to be a proposal which could be converted into an international agreement.
“What is bizarre is that Mr Bush chose to announce his policy at the same time as announcing dramatic reductions in emissions for pollutants which operate at a national scale within the US. For these he enthusiastically backed national emission trading. US industry will not have a choice about complying with this. Yet when a global problem like green house gases is addressed, the solution is to be voluntary and not engaging a global market for emissions. The contradiction is startling said Mr Law.
“The decision of the EU, now followed by almost all the other parties, to pursue the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol after its rejection by the US President is all the more justified. The US does not have the alternative it had said it would offer. Kyoto ratification remains the only credible way of proceeding to tackle the problem by international agreement.
Bush plan seeks to cut US power plant emissions
US President George W. Bush has proposed cutting US power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury in a bid to reduce acid rain, smog and general pollution.
US President George W. Bush has proposed cutting US power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury in a bid to reduce acid rain, smog and general pollution.
The Kyoto Protocol and new technology
The Kyoto Protocol will change our energy use habits for good, by accelerating the shift away from finite fossil fuel resources and encouraging more efficient use of fossil fuels while they remain important. The countries that ratify the Protocol will be those where the sustainable energy technologies of the future are most rapidly developed and adopted. The Kyoto stragglers will risk being spectators to growth and innovation elsewhere.
I sometimes think our business community has not yet fully realised that the Protocol embodies the kind of market solutions to an environmental problem that business leaders so frequently call for. These market mechanisms will give Protocol nations, and businesses within them, significant flexibility and choice in how they manage their emissions.
The Kyoto Protocol will change our energy use habits for good, by accelerating the shift away from finite fossil fuel resources and encouraging more efficient use of fossil fuels while they remain important. The countries that ratify the Protocol will be those where the sustainable energy technologies of the future are most rapidly developed and adopted. The Kyoto stragglers will risk being spectators to growth and innovation elsewhere.
I sometimes think our business community has not yet fully realised that the Protocol embodies the kind of market solutions to an environmental problem that business leaders so frequently call for. These market mechanisms will give Protocol nations, and businesses within them, significant flexibility and choice in how they manage their emissions.
Demonstrable progress on greenhouse policy
New Zealand will meet the Kyoto Protocol’s requirement for “demonstrable progress” towards its greenhouse gas emission target by 2005 without difficulty, says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
New Zealand will meet the Kyoto Protocol’s requirement for “demonstrable progress” towards its greenhouse gas emission target by 2005 without difficulty, says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
Trash gas sold for cash
Waste Management has entered the brave new world of international carbon trading.
Its transaction, with a "North American energy company", involves selling credits that would allow the emission of greenhouse gases.
Waste Management has entered the brave new world of international carbon trading.
Its transaction, with a "North American energy company", involves selling credits that would allow the emission of greenhouse gases.
Government moves with caution on Kyoto
The Government has signalled that policies to implement the Kyoto Protocol will recognise concerns about competitiveness and be brought in gradually.
What the Government will do, to whom and how quickly will not be known until it releases its preferred policy package for consultation in April.
The Government has signalled that policies to implement the Kyoto Protocol will recognise concerns about competitiveness and be brought in gradually.
What the Government will do, to whom and how quickly will not be known until it releases its preferred policy package for consultation in April.
NATIONAL INTEREST ANALYSIS
Kyoto Protocol
to the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(MSWORD download)
(If you get asked for a password press cancel until the document loads)
Kyoto Protocol
to the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(MSWORD download)
(If you get asked for a password press cancel until the document loads)
Government sets greenhouse policy principles
Cabinet has adopted a set of key principles to guide the development of New Zealand’s climate change policies.
The following principles would guide Government policy on climate change:
· policies must result in permanent reductions in emissions over the long term;
· policies need to be responsive to the changing international context;
· policies need to be consistent with a growing and sustainable economy;
· policies will not disadvantage the vulnerable in our society.
Cabinet has adopted a set of key principles to guide the development of New Zealand’s climate change policies.
The following principles would guide Government policy on climate change:
· policies must result in permanent reductions in emissions over the long term;
· policies need to be responsive to the changing international context;
· policies need to be consistent with a growing and sustainable economy;
· policies will not disadvantage the vulnerable in our society.
rmla (auckland branch) function climate change seminar
For the first function of the year the RMLA Auckland Branch in conjunction with the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Environmental Defence Society is pleased to present a seminar by Dr Robert Watson, Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the science of climate change and domestic policy initiatives adopted by other countries.
For the first function of the year the RMLA Auckland Branch in conjunction with the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Environmental Defence Society is pleased to present a seminar by Dr Robert Watson, Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the science of climate change and domestic policy initiatives adopted by other countries.
WWF
GO for KYOTO
WWF call for Kyoto ratification.
GO for KYOTO
WWF call for Kyoto ratification.
Let's do our homework before taking on Kyoto
New Zealand unions and the international trade union movement are vitally interested in the Kyoto protocol.
Unions are well aware of the devastating employment, social and environmental effects of global warming.
New Zealand unions and the international trade union movement are vitally interested in the Kyoto protocol.
Unions are well aware of the devastating employment, social and environmental effects of global warming.
Climate pact creates opportunity
RODGER SPILLER
Business has a key role to play in meeting the challenge of climate change. Recognising this challenge, the Business Council for Sustainable Development and its partner organisation, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, are focusing on developing solutions to climate change and deploying them globally.
RODGER SPILLER
Business has a key role to play in meeting the challenge of climate change. Recognising this challenge, the Business Council for Sustainable Development and its partner organisation, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, are focusing on developing solutions to climate change and deploying them globally.
Signing the Kyoto Protocol blind not the way to go
For New Zealand, the key Kyoto question is the timing and quality of policy work that must precede the decision to ratify. What is in the best interests of this country and how do we best fit these interests into the international response to global warming?
For New Zealand, the key Kyoto question is the timing and quality of policy work that must precede the decision to ratify. What is in the best interests of this country and how do we best fit these interests into the international response to global warming?
Sustainability
What is New Zealand's position on the Environment and Sustainability? Why not be part of the answer?
Wednesday 20th February
New Zealand's position on the Environment and Sustainabilty Standards Workshop
What this workshop is about
The purpose of this workshop is to explore New Zealand's position on environmental management, climate change and sustainability standards in an interactive way.
The workshop will include presentations by experts, and will help determine New Zealand's position on these important issues:
The international standards and conformity assesment system
Climate change
Environmental Management
Sustainability
What is New Zealand's position on the Environment and Sustainability? Why not be part of the answer?
Wednesday 20th February
New Zealand's position on the Environment and Sustainabilty Standards Workshop
What this workshop is about
The purpose of this workshop is to explore New Zealand's position on environmental management, climate change and sustainability standards in an interactive way.
The workshop will include presentations by experts, and will help determine New Zealand's position on these important issues:
The international standards and conformity assesment system
Climate change
Environmental Management
Sustainability
RSNZ/Conference/Climate change workshop
Climate change: integrating human and natural dimensions
Friday, 8 February 2002, National Library Auditorium, Wellington
Central and local government, industry, and agricultural producers are now seriously addressing the issues of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to projected climate changes. To do this effectively, they need input from social scientists as well as from physical scientists. This workshop will bring staff from government, industry and the agricultural sectors together with social and physical scientists.
Climate change: integrating human and natural dimensions
Friday, 8 February 2002, National Library Auditorium, Wellington
Central and local government, industry, and agricultural producers are now seriously addressing the issues of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to projected climate changes. To do this effectively, they need input from social scientists as well as from physical scientists. This workshop will bring staff from government, industry and the agricultural sectors together with social and physical scientists.
Farmers afraid of rush to ratify
Federated Farmers says there is widespread concern among farmers over the Government's intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Pete Hodgson, convener of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, said farmers had often been misled by speculation about a flatulence tax on livestock.
"The importance of a prosperous farming sector to the New Zealand economy is a key reason for the Government's intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol," he said.
Federated Farmers says there is widespread concern among farmers over the Government's intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Pete Hodgson, convener of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, said farmers had often been misled by speculation about a flatulence tax on livestock.
"The importance of a prosperous farming sector to the New Zealand economy is a key reason for the Government's intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol," he said.
Sailing the troubled waters of Kyoto
Business groups and farmers have taken to the Kyoto Protocol on climate change like a cat to water.
Why, they ask, when New Zealand struggles to earn a First World living and contributes only a fraction of 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions should it take on costs ahead of its competitors?
Business groups and farmers have taken to the Kyoto Protocol on climate change like a cat to water.
Why, they ask, when New Zealand struggles to earn a First World living and contributes only a fraction of 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions should it take on costs ahead of its competitors?
