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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
New Zealand Climate Change Programme - Consultation
2nd round package from the government
2nd round package from the government
CLIMATE POLICY COP-OUT
The Government's failure to introduce a carbon charge in the near future is
a major cop-out that will harm the economy, the environment and society,
says the recently formed Climate Defence Network.
Jane Dawson, speaking for the network of transport, recreational, medical,
resource management, international development and environmental
organisations, said "The Government's prescription for climate protection
makes it too easy for polluters to avoid doing anything to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions."
"The measures that the government is putting forward are little more than
'pollution as normal' with a bit of window dressing. The Negotiated
Greenhouse Agreements lack credibility. No one should be fooled by these -
they are simply special concessions for big polluters."
"Too much dependence is put on the soft option of relying on carbon stored
in new forests to balance our national carbon account. That will be of no
help when real cuts are asked of us in the future."
"There is no guarantee that the New Zealand Transport Strategy will deliver
any benefits in terms of climate change policy since it has yet to go
through the consultation process, where it will be vulnerable to more
pressure from the 'business as usual' polluters."
"The Government's policy preferences are too close to the polluters'
preferences. Climate policy will move behind closed doors, since the
decision on who is to be classified as an at risk industry is going to be
carried out in private. The public must have a say in this."
"Negotiations on the Greenhouse Agreements will also be in private. The
public may see the result at the end but have no effective participation in
the process."
The Climate Defence Network welcomes the restated intention to ratify the
Kyoto Protocol, but says that overall the proposed policy response is too
weak to feel there is a serious commitment on the part of the Government to
achieving the goal of stabilising the level of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
"Climate change will be the issue of this century. Greenhouse gas emissions
must be cut for the sake of the planet, for New Zealand's future and for
the sake of the Pacific. Historians will judge this Government an
environmental failure on the basis of just this announcement, if it becomes
the ultimate policy", says Ms Dawson
The Government's failure to introduce a carbon charge in the near future is
a major cop-out that will harm the economy, the environment and society,
says the recently formed Climate Defence Network.
Jane Dawson, speaking for the network of transport, recreational, medical,
resource management, international development and environmental
organisations, said "The Government's prescription for climate protection
makes it too easy for polluters to avoid doing anything to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions."
"The measures that the government is putting forward are little more than
'pollution as normal' with a bit of window dressing. The Negotiated
Greenhouse Agreements lack credibility. No one should be fooled by these -
they are simply special concessions for big polluters."
"Too much dependence is put on the soft option of relying on carbon stored
in new forests to balance our national carbon account. That will be of no
help when real cuts are asked of us in the future."
"There is no guarantee that the New Zealand Transport Strategy will deliver
any benefits in terms of climate change policy since it has yet to go
through the consultation process, where it will be vulnerable to more
pressure from the 'business as usual' polluters."
"The Government's policy preferences are too close to the polluters'
preferences. Climate policy will move behind closed doors, since the
decision on who is to be classified as an at risk industry is going to be
carried out in private. The public must have a say in this."
"Negotiations on the Greenhouse Agreements will also be in private. The
public may see the result at the end but have no effective participation in
the process."
The Climate Defence Network welcomes the restated intention to ratify the
Kyoto Protocol, but says that overall the proposed policy response is too
weak to feel there is a serious commitment on the part of the Government to
achieving the goal of stabilising the level of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
"Climate change will be the issue of this century. Greenhouse gas emissions
must be cut for the sake of the planet, for New Zealand's future and for
the sake of the Pacific. Historians will judge this Government an
environmental failure on the basis of just this announcement, if it becomes
the ultimate policy", says Ms Dawson
Scoop Archive: Government Sets Greenhouse Policy Principles
New Zealand should have made significant greenhouse gas reductions on business as usual and be set towards a permanent downward path for total gross emissions by 2012.
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.
New Zealand should have made significant greenhouse gas reductions on business as usual and be set towards a permanent downward path for total gross emissions by 2012.
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.
Business group says it has better way to cut emissions
The Kyoto Protocol is not the only game in town if New Zealand wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, says Business New Zealand.
The Kyoto Protocol is not the only game in town if New Zealand wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, says Business New Zealand.
No Credible Alternative To Kyoto Protocol On Climate Change
Business New Zealand is mistaken in suggesting there is a credible
"alternative international approach" to climate change besides the
Kyoto Protocol, says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate
Change, Pete Hodgson.
"Climate change is a global problem, which means concerted
international action is the only remedy," Mr Hodgson said. "The
Protocol, which is the fruit of a decade of United Nations
negotiations, is simply the only concerted international action on
offer.
"The climate change research alliance between Australia and the
United States is not an alternative to an international agreement
that is likely to be ratified by the majority of developed nations.
The Protocol establishes workable, global mechanisms for the
long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The US-Australia
partnership bears no comparison, nor does it pretend to.
"The US proposes to reduce emissions intensity, by improving energy
efficiency, but expects that total emissions will continue to grow
with the economy. I am concerned that Business New Zealand does not
appear to understand this.
"I am pleased, however, that the policy principles endorsed by
Business NZ so closely reflect the principles the Cabinet adopted
earlier this year. And I note that many of the specific policies
advocated by Business NZ are already being addressed by the
Government, through measures including the National Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Strategy, the electricity reform process and the
Transport Strategy."
Business New Zealand is mistaken in suggesting there is a credible
"alternative international approach" to climate change besides the
Kyoto Protocol, says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate
Change, Pete Hodgson.
"Climate change is a global problem, which means concerted
international action is the only remedy," Mr Hodgson said. "The
Protocol, which is the fruit of a decade of United Nations
negotiations, is simply the only concerted international action on
offer.
"The climate change research alliance between Australia and the
United States is not an alternative to an international agreement
that is likely to be ratified by the majority of developed nations.
The Protocol establishes workable, global mechanisms for the
long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The US-Australia
partnership bears no comparison, nor does it pretend to.
"The US proposes to reduce emissions intensity, by improving energy
efficiency, but expects that total emissions will continue to grow
with the economy. I am concerned that Business New Zealand does not
appear to understand this.
"I am pleased, however, that the policy principles endorsed by
Business NZ so closely reflect the principles the Cabinet adopted
earlier this year. And I note that many of the specific policies
advocated by Business NZ are already being addressed by the
Government, through measures including the National Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Strategy, the electricity reform process and the
Transport Strategy."
Climate change impact for kiwifruits crops assessed
A major study is underway to assess the impact of global warming on the Bay of Plenty after predictions of a significant decline in the viability of kiwifruit - a key economic driver in the region.
Environment BOP is spending $50,000 to draw up local scenarios based on the rapidly expanding volume of evidence being accumulated by climate scientists in New Zealand and overseas.
A major study is underway to assess the impact of global warming on the Bay of Plenty after predictions of a significant decline in the viability of kiwifruit - a key economic driver in the region.
Environment BOP is spending $50,000 to draw up local scenarios based on the rapidly expanding volume of evidence being accumulated by climate scientists in New Zealand and overseas.
New Zealand Experts Chosen For World Climate Panel
Two New Zealanders have been appointed to the bureau of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world expert panel set up by the World Meteorological Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme to assess the science of climate change.
At a meeting in Geneva this weekend, the panel appointed Dr Martin Manning, a principal scientist with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, to serve on its bureau. It also appointed Helen Plume, a senior policy analyst in the Government’s Climate Change Project Team, to the task force bureau on greenhouse gas inventories.
The Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, said he was pleased that New Zealand’s climate change expertise was recognised by such a distinguished panel.
Two New Zealanders have been appointed to the bureau of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world expert panel set up by the World Meteorological Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme to assess the science of climate change.
At a meeting in Geneva this weekend, the panel appointed Dr Martin Manning, a principal scientist with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, to serve on its bureau. It also appointed Helen Plume, a senior policy analyst in the Government’s Climate Change Project Team, to the task force bureau on greenhouse gas inventories.
The Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, said he was pleased that New Zealand’s climate change expertise was recognised by such a distinguished panel.
AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY 2, NEW ZEALAND 0, ON CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERSHIP
There is a marked contrast between New Zealand and leading Australian industries on greenhouse gas generated climate change says the Environmental Defence Society.
There is a marked contrast between New Zealand and leading Australian industries on greenhouse gas generated climate change says the Environmental Defence Society.
Scoop Archive: New Zealand's Oceans Are Hotting Up
The oceans around New Zealand are warming at a rate not seen since the 1930s.
Figures from NIWA show that the ocean temperature around New Zealand has increased rapidly over the last 10 years.
This is in contrast to the preceding 20 years when the temperature actually decreased.
According to a report just released by NIWA, New Zealand's oceans began to cool slightly in the 1970s and 1980s, while the average global temperature steadily increased. Over the last century the average ocean temperature around New Zealand increased by about 1.0 °C, a somewhat greater increase than the global average (0.6 °C).
NIWA scientist Dr Craig Stevens said the lower ocean temperatures around New Zealand during the early 1990s were caused by stronger and more frequent El Nino events. El Nino and La Nina events can cause the temperature of the tropical ocean to fluctuate by 3 to 4°C, and the temperatures around New Zealand fluctuate by a smaller amount in the opposite way.
The oceans around New Zealand are warming at a rate not seen since the 1930s.
Figures from NIWA show that the ocean temperature around New Zealand has increased rapidly over the last 10 years.
This is in contrast to the preceding 20 years when the temperature actually decreased.
According to a report just released by NIWA, New Zealand's oceans began to cool slightly in the 1970s and 1980s, while the average global temperature steadily increased. Over the last century the average ocean temperature around New Zealand increased by about 1.0 °C, a somewhat greater increase than the global average (0.6 °C).
NIWA scientist Dr Craig Stevens said the lower ocean temperatures around New Zealand during the early 1990s were caused by stronger and more frequent El Nino events. El Nino and La Nina events can cause the temperature of the tropical ocean to fluctuate by 3 to 4°C, and the temperatures around New Zealand fluctuate by a smaller amount in the opposite way.
Climate change
TATA Institute - home of incomng IPCC Chair - climate page.
TATA Institute - home of incomng IPCC Chair - climate page.
Climate scientist ousted
One of the most outspoken scientists on the issue of global warming has been ousted from his job.
Dr Robert Watson was voted out of the chair of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on Friday and will be replaced by one of the current vice-chairs, Dr Rajendra Pachauri.
One of the most outspoken scientists on the issue of global warming has been ousted from his job.
Dr Robert Watson was voted out of the chair of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on Friday and will be replaced by one of the current vice-chairs, Dr Rajendra Pachauri.
Stepping on gas to cut greenhouse emissions
The rural sector forms a research consortium to tackle methane emissions from belching livestock, writes SIMON COLLINS.
Almost all of the pastoral sector, including listed company Wrightson, has formed a research consortium that aims to reduce methane gas emissions from belching livestock.
The rural sector forms a research consortium to tackle methane emissions from belching livestock, writes SIMON COLLINS.
Almost all of the pastoral sector, including listed company Wrightson, has formed a research consortium that aims to reduce methane gas emissions from belching livestock.
Press Release Environmental Defence Society – Immediate
NEW ZEALAND AS FAR AS EVER FROM MEETING ITS GREENHOUSE OBLIGATION
A year ago the Auditor General reported on New Zealand’s efforts in meeting its obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The report concluded “New Zealand has not fulfilled the main FCCC obligation to formulate and implement national policies to mitigate climate change through limiting human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases. A range of policy measures has been adopted, but the measures have been ineffective.”
What has happened since? asks the Environmental Defence Society.
NEW ZEALAND AS FAR AS EVER FROM MEETING ITS GREENHOUSE OBLIGATION
A year ago the Auditor General reported on New Zealand’s efforts in meeting its obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The report concluded “New Zealand has not fulfilled the main FCCC obligation to formulate and implement national policies to mitigate climate change through limiting human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases. A range of policy measures has been adopted, but the measures have been ineffective.”
What has happened since? asks the Environmental Defence Society.
Hodgson on Climate Change and Farming
If global warming is allowed to continue unchecked, the long-term impacts on this country are likely to be severe indeed.
There may be some initial benefits for agriculture from a warmer climate, with possible increases in the growth rate and range of some crops.
But floods and droughts are expected to become more frequent and more extreme. Biosecurity is likely to come under increasing pressure, especially from subtropical pests and diseases. Sea level rises would create problems with saltwater intrusion into groundwater, as well as threatening infrastructure.
Further problems with water supply and infrastructure would arise from higher rainfall in the west of the country and drier conditions in the east. New human health risks would arrive from pests and diseases, such as dengue fever, that presently thrive in warmer countries. Native species would be threatened by climatic changes in what remains of their habitats.
Climate problems can be very, very expensive. As farmers you will be well aware of the costs of floods and droughts. Flooding costs this country an estimated $125 million a year, not counting the millions spent on flood protection measures and insurance. The El Nino floods in 1997 cost our agricultural industry an estimated $1 billion.
The costs of inaction on climate change are essentially inestimable, but there is good reason to expect they would be huge. And because global warming is a cumulative process, the costs only magnify with time. Doing nothing is not the low-cost option.
If global warming is allowed to continue unchecked, the long-term impacts on this country are likely to be severe indeed.
There may be some initial benefits for agriculture from a warmer climate, with possible increases in the growth rate and range of some crops.
But floods and droughts are expected to become more frequent and more extreme. Biosecurity is likely to come under increasing pressure, especially from subtropical pests and diseases. Sea level rises would create problems with saltwater intrusion into groundwater, as well as threatening infrastructure.
Further problems with water supply and infrastructure would arise from higher rainfall in the west of the country and drier conditions in the east. New human health risks would arrive from pests and diseases, such as dengue fever, that presently thrive in warmer countries. Native species would be threatened by climatic changes in what remains of their habitats.
Climate problems can be very, very expensive. As farmers you will be well aware of the costs of floods and droughts. Flooding costs this country an estimated $125 million a year, not counting the millions spent on flood protection measures and insurance. The El Nino floods in 1997 cost our agricultural industry an estimated $1 billion.
The costs of inaction on climate change are essentially inestimable, but there is good reason to expect they would be huge. And because global warming is a cumulative process, the costs only magnify with time. Doing nothing is not the low-cost option.
Corporates voice concern over global warming
Australia's GHG emissions up by 17.1% in a decade and BP calls for leadership and vision to replace a policy vacuum.
New Zealand's non-agricultural emissions up by 16.2% in same period and New Zealand industry calls for nothing to be done.
"The regional president of BP Australia, Greg Bourne, yesterday launched a stinging attack on Australia's "energy policy vacuum" in the face of global concern about climate change.
Mr Bourne said neither government nor business were attaching enough importance to the issue, despite fears that global warming would inevitably lead to higher prices for burning fossil fuels.
Australia's GHG emissions up by 17.1% in a decade and BP calls for leadership and vision to replace a policy vacuum.
New Zealand's non-agricultural emissions up by 16.2% in same period and New Zealand industry calls for nothing to be done.
"The regional president of BP Australia, Greg Bourne, yesterday launched a stinging attack on Australia's "energy policy vacuum" in the face of global concern about climate change.
Mr Bourne said neither government nor business were attaching enough importance to the issue, despite fears that global warming would inevitably lead to higher prices for burning fossil fuels.
Can't change the science? Then change the scientists
Despite ten years of effort, Esso/ExxonMobil hasn’t been able to stop the world’s climate scientists saying that global warming is here and is caused by the burning of oil, coal and gas. So what does Esso do next? Tries to change the scientists. First on the hit list is Dr Robert Watson, a well-respected, former NASA climate scientist who has led the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for nearly six years.
“Can Watson be replaced now at the request of the U.S.?" Arthur G. Randol III, senior environmental adviser for ExxonMobil, asked the White House in a letter leaked this week. True to form, the US government is now refusing to re-nominate Watson.
Despite ten years of effort, Esso/ExxonMobil hasn’t been able to stop the world’s climate scientists saying that global warming is here and is caused by the burning of oil, coal and gas. So what does Esso do next? Tries to change the scientists. First on the hit list is Dr Robert Watson, a well-respected, former NASA climate scientist who has led the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for nearly six years.
“Can Watson be replaced now at the request of the U.S.?" Arthur G. Randol III, senior environmental adviser for ExxonMobil, asked the White House in a letter leaked this week. True to form, the US government is now refusing to re-nominate Watson.
Consultation snapshot
A summary of the consultation over Kyoto ratification and implementation. (Word download)
A summary of the consultation over Kyoto ratification and implementation. (Word download)
Plant Trees for carbon sinks - NZ Scientist
Farmers who want to help lower New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions should be planting trees and watching them grow, Landcare Research senior scientist Surinder Saggar says.
Farmers who want to help lower New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions should be planting trees and watching them grow, Landcare Research senior scientist Surinder Saggar says.
Wood waste could be used as a new fuel for big business
Waste wood from Northland's booming forestry industry could pioneer a new fuel source for large-scale industry in New Zealand. GBC project engineer Petar Misic said burning the wood waste could reduce coal use at its Portland site by 10 percent and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Waste wood from Northland's booming forestry industry could pioneer a new fuel source for large-scale industry in New Zealand. GBC project engineer Petar Misic said burning the wood waste could reduce coal use at its Portland site by 10 percent and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Forest plan to ease Kyoto pain
Forest plan to ease Kyoto pain
The forestry industry has come up with its own "green" alternative. The forestry industry has proposed a "green package" to the Government to mitigate the damage it expects to suffer if New Zealand ratifies the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Forest plan to ease Kyoto pain
The forestry industry has come up with its own "green" alternative. The forestry industry has proposed a "green package" to the Government to mitigate the damage it expects to suffer if New Zealand ratifies the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Saving the planet
Prime Minister Helen Clark is taking a keener interest in climate change policy and the upshot is almost certain to be that more weight is placed on the short-term risks to business confidence than the long-term risks to the planet.
The reaction from business lobby groups to the Government's declared intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol this year has been overwhelmingly negative.
In part this reflects uncertainty about what policies will be adopted to implement the protocol. Business will have a better idea next month when the Government releases its preferred policy package for consultation.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is taking a keener interest in climate change policy and the upshot is almost certain to be that more weight is placed on the short-term risks to business confidence than the long-term risks to the planet.
The reaction from business lobby groups to the Government's declared intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol this year has been overwhelmingly negative.
In part this reflects uncertainty about what policies will be adopted to implement the protocol. Business will have a better idea next month when the Government releases its preferred policy package for consultation.
