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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Low power price leaves Contact spilling water
Surplus electricity generation capacity in the South Island is forcing Contact Energy to spill water at Clyde dam.
Contact Energy Clyde generation manager Graham Quinn said the company was spilling because its price had been undercut on the energy market.
Surplus electricity generation capacity in the South Island is forcing Contact Energy to spill water at Clyde dam.
Contact Energy Clyde generation manager Graham Quinn said the company was spilling because its price had been undercut on the energy market.
New climate change policy centre mooted for NZ
One of the world's most influential independent centres for climate change policy development is looking at establishing a presence in New Zealand.
"The Pew Centre for Global Climate Change, based in Washington DC, is a leader and innovator in the policy debate on climate change," said the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson. "I am very pleased that it is now considering setting up new offices to serve the South Pacific."
One of the world's most influential independent centres for climate change policy development is looking at establishing a presence in New Zealand.
"The Pew Centre for Global Climate Change, based in Washington DC, is a leader and innovator in the policy debate on climate change," said the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson. "I am very pleased that it is now considering setting up new offices to serve the South Pacific."
NZ's position robust on Kyoto Protocol forest sink
Contrary to an NZPA report today, New Zealand's claims for forest sink credits under the Kyoto Protocol are not "partly rooted in a scientific fallacy," says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"NZPA's story today suggesting that New Zealand's position in respect of forest sinks is challenged by some Italian research on greenhouse gas releases from soil is incorrect," Mr Hodgson said.
Contrary to an NZPA report today, New Zealand's claims for forest sink credits under the Kyoto Protocol are not "partly rooted in a scientific fallacy," says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"NZPA's story today suggesting that New Zealand's position in respect of forest sinks is challenged by some Italian research on greenhouse gas releases from soil is incorrect," Mr Hodgson said.
World can't cope with famine says UN
Global warming is helping to cause an unprecedented series of famines that is pushing the world beyond its ability to cope, says the United Nations.
The warning - the starkest yet issued by the UN on how climate change is affecting world food supplies - comes as a second massive famine looms in Africa.
Global warming is helping to cause an unprecedented series of famines that is pushing the world beyond its ability to cope, says the United Nations.
The warning - the starkest yet issued by the UN on how climate change is affecting world food supplies - comes as a second massive famine looms in Africa.
New Zealand Work to Improve Bilateral Climate Change Cooperation
The United States and New Zealand plan to enhance their cooperation in the field of climate change, according to the State Department.
The United States and New Zealand plan to enhance their cooperation in the field of climate change, according to the State Department.
Smart changes on climate change paying dividends
Even before the Government announced it would ratify the controversial Kyoto protocol, smart business was looking for lucrative new opportunities in climate change.
The creation of a market for tradeable global warming credits opens the door to incentives and a new way of looking at environmentally friendly and sustainable business.
Even before the Government announced it would ratify the controversial Kyoto protocol, smart business was looking for lucrative new opportunities in climate change.
The creation of a market for tradeable global warming credits opens the door to incentives and a new way of looking at environmentally friendly and sustainable business.
Kyoto Protocol relies on Russian support
Whether the Kyoto Protocol to curb greenhouse gas emissions comes into force will be decided in Moscow
Whether the Kyoto Protocol to curb greenhouse gas emissions comes into force will be decided in Moscow
Ombudsman, Government caught up in climate bill row
A complicated entangling of the Bill of Rights, legal privilege and the Ombudsman has sparked concern that legislation could be pushed through Parliament without complying with civil liberties laws.
A complicated entangling of the Bill of Rights, legal privilege and the Ombudsman has sparked concern that legislation could be pushed through Parliament without complying with civil liberties laws.
E.W Rally Home Page
Vehicle energy efficency rally - November
Vehicle energy efficency rally - November
CA water plans linked to global warming
LOS ANGELES — For the first time, planers in the California Energy Commission will consider the impact of global warming when calculating future water supply and water need scenarios.
LOS ANGELES — For the first time, planers in the California Energy Commission will consider the impact of global warming when calculating future water supply and water need scenarios.
Australia missing targets
The Government's greenhouse gas abatement policies are woefully inadequate to meet its own targets, a new energy industry report has found.
But the report states that simple changes encouraging the production of wind and gas power would achieve the targeted emission reductions - and at far lower costs than previously estimated.
The Government's greenhouse gas abatement policies are woefully inadequate to meet its own targets, a new energy industry report has found.
But the report states that simple changes encouraging the production of wind and gas power would achieve the targeted emission reductions - and at far lower costs than previously estimated.
Talk
AMORY LOVINS - Rocky Mountain Institute
TIME MAGAZINE’S “HERO OF THE PLANET”
Date: 11 Nov 2002
Time: 5.15pm
Venue: Lecture Room WA 220, AUT
City: Auckland
FAO - Forestry and Climate Change
Opportunity to subscribe to a forestry and climate change electronic journal
Opportunity to subscribe to a forestry and climate change electronic journal
Hope for future in methane find
Huge deposits of frozen methane off the east coast of the North Island are a possible long-term replacement for the Maui natural gas field.
Huge deposits of frozen methane off the east coast of the North Island are a possible long-term replacement for the Maui natural gas field.
Hobbs tying hands of regional councils on climate change
A major environmental lobby has called on the Government to rethink its decision to tie the hands of regional councils on enforcing climate change regulations.
The Government announced plans yesterday to change the Resource Management Act (RMA) to remove the ability of regional councils to directly control greenhouse gas emissions through resource consents and regional plans.
It said greenhouse gases would instead be dealt with through national policies, and other changes to the RMA were being considered to give priority to renewable energy and adaption to the effects of climate change.
It also signalled a new approach to "national" issues such as soil, air and water - at present interpreted in different ways by individual regional councils.
Forest and Bird Protection Society spokesman Barry Weeber said removing greenhouse gases from the issues which councils could consider under the RMA was "a significant step backwards".
A major environmental lobby has called on the Government to rethink its decision to tie the hands of regional councils on enforcing climate change regulations.
The Government announced plans yesterday to change the Resource Management Act (RMA) to remove the ability of regional councils to directly control greenhouse gas emissions through resource consents and regional plans.
It said greenhouse gases would instead be dealt with through national policies, and other changes to the RMA were being considered to give priority to renewable energy and adaption to the effects of climate change.
It also signalled a new approach to "national" issues such as soil, air and water - at present interpreted in different ways by individual regional councils.
Forest and Bird Protection Society spokesman Barry Weeber said removing greenhouse gases from the issues which councils could consider under the RMA was "a significant step backwards".
Approval Granted For Wind Turbine
The wind turbine that has been dubbed a world leader is one step closer to its new home.
Windflow Technology Ltd's application for a land use resource consent has been approved and a trial wind turbine will be installed at Gebbies Pass by December.
The wind turbine that has been dubbed a world leader is one step closer to its new home.
Windflow Technology Ltd's application for a land use resource consent has been approved and a trial wind turbine will be installed at Gebbies Pass by December.
Steam rights in Treaty deal
A Bay of Plenty iwi has won rights over geothermal resources in a ground-breaking Treaty settlement.
But officials say New Zealand's petroleum fields, worth up to $13 billion to the Crown since 1970, will not be next on the block
Yesterday, Kawerau-based Ngati Tuwharetoa initialled a deed of settlement incorporating a crown apology and $10.5 million financial redress. On top of that is a right of first refusal to two Crown-owned geothermal bores, and a statutory acknowledgment of the iwi's association with the geothermal water and energy in the Kawerau geothermal system.
A Bay of Plenty iwi has won rights over geothermal resources in a ground-breaking Treaty settlement.
But officials say New Zealand's petroleum fields, worth up to $13 billion to the Crown since 1970, will not be next on the block
Yesterday, Kawerau-based Ngati Tuwharetoa initialled a deed of settlement incorporating a crown apology and $10.5 million financial redress. On top of that is a right of first refusal to two Crown-owned geothermal bores, and a statutory acknowledgment of the iwi's association with the geothermal water and energy in the Kawerau geothermal system.
Climate Change Policy A Little Improved But Still Lacking
Press Release Environmental Defence Society
“Too late and not a clear enough signal, is the Environmental Defence Society’s reaction to the Government confirming its carbon charge would not start until 2007 and the failure to put a floor price on the charge.
“Until the real cost is clear no-one will take this seriously and start factoring in the cost of greenhouse gas pollution into their business and lifestyle decisions, said Garry Law, EDS director and climate spokesperson.
Press Release Environmental Defence Society
“Too late and not a clear enough signal, is the Environmental Defence Society’s reaction to the Government confirming its carbon charge would not start until 2007 and the failure to put a floor price on the charge.
“Until the real cost is clear no-one will take this seriously and start factoring in the cost of greenhouse gas pollution into their business and lifestyle decisions, said Garry Law, EDS director and climate spokesperson.
Growing Pacific frustration over Greenhouse Effect
A former Fijian leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, says Pacific nations are becoming increasingly frustrated with major industrial nations over their approach to climate change.
A former Fijian leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, says Pacific nations are becoming increasingly frustrated with major industrial nations over their approach to climate change.
NZ - Government caps emission charges in climate change policy
Government caps emission charges in climate change policy
The Government has capped its planned greenhouse gas emission charges at $25 a tonne for the half dozen gases contributing to global warming.
Government caps emission charges in climate change policy
The Government has capped its planned greenhouse gas emission charges at $25 a tonne for the half dozen gases contributing to global warming.
EECA Final renewables Strategy pdf download
New Zealand’s Renewable Energy Target a component of the
National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy -
Towards a sustainable energy future
New Zealand’s Renewable Energy Target a component of the
National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy -
Towards a sustainable energy future
Download MS word 197K
MEDIA BRIEFING: CONFIRMED CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
The NZ Government has confirmed a policy package to enable New Zealand to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
In April 2002 the Government released a preferred policy package on climate change for consultation, which took place in May and June 2002. Following assessment of the results of consultation and further policy analysis the preferred policy approach has been substantially confirmed, with some clarification and refinement.
Climate Change Dangers and Opportunities for New Zealand. PDF document 470 K
Climate Defence Network Briefing Document
Climate change is one of the most important issues facing New Zealand in the long-term.
There is much that the New Zealand Government can do now in terms of introducing carbon charges, improving energy efficiency and supporting public transport policy. Fortunately some of these actions may actually lead to economic benefits in the long-term. These actions are even likely to produce immediate benefits for New Zealand citizens (e.g., from reduced exposure to air pollution).
Climate Defence Network Briefing Document
Climate change is one of the most important issues facing New Zealand in the long-term.
There is much that the New Zealand Government can do now in terms of introducing carbon charges, improving energy efficiency and supporting public transport policy. Fortunately some of these actions may actually lead to economic benefits in the long-term. These actions are even likely to produce immediate benefits for New Zealand citizens (e.g., from reduced exposure to air pollution).
NZ climate scientists: world class
Two leading New Zealand climate scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research have been appointed to senior positions with the international scientific body advising the United Nations on climate change.
Pete Hodgson, science minister and Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, said the positions attained by Dr Martin Manning and Dr David Wratt were further evidence that New Zealand science, including climate research, is world class.
Two leading New Zealand climate scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research have been appointed to senior positions with the international scientific body advising the United Nations on climate change.
Pete Hodgson, science minister and Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, said the positions attained by Dr Martin Manning and Dr David Wratt were further evidence that New Zealand science, including climate research, is world class.
Kyoto and US Free Trade Agreement - Goff
He said he had been told during talks in Washington that New Zealand was behind Australia in the hunt for a free-trade pact, but was not out of the race.
"Mr Goff said Australia's support for the US on a range of issues, including the Kyoto climate change protocol, had been a positive for it, "rather than a negative or prohibitive factor for us".
He said he had been told during talks in Washington that New Zealand was behind Australia in the hunt for a free-trade pact, but was not out of the race.
"Mr Goff said Australia's support for the US on a range of issues, including the Kyoto climate change protocol, had been a positive for it, "rather than a negative or prohibitive factor for us".
Availabilities and Costs of Renewable Sources of Energy for Generating Electricity and Heat
Report to the Ministry of Economic Development - Summary
Report to the Ministry of Economic Development - Summary
Hodgson on future energy
The end of Maui is not a crisis but a transition to a more typical gas supply situation by international standards. It is not normal for a country to have one enormous, cheap gas field dominating supply for so long.
As Maui production tails off, many smaller gas fields – including a number already discovered, proved up and resource consented – will become economic. New Zealand will revert to a more typical supply situation in which gas is drawn from a larger number of smaller fields. Known reserves might typically stretch forward a decade or so, rather than Maui’s thirty years.
Projections from Shell, our dominant oil and gas producer, suggest current known reserves are enough to meet demand, at a wellhead price of $4 a gigajoule, until 2010. This appears to be conservative, since there is a surplus available before 2010, at least some of which is likely to be carried over into subsequent years. These projections do not assume any new discoveries and exclude the Kupe field, which Shell believes would be uneconomic at $4 a gigajoule. They also assume that $4 a gigajoule would be too much for Methanex, which requires cheaper gas to be economic.
The end of Maui is not a crisis but a transition to a more typical gas supply situation by international standards. It is not normal for a country to have one enormous, cheap gas field dominating supply for so long.
As Maui production tails off, many smaller gas fields – including a number already discovered, proved up and resource consented – will become economic. New Zealand will revert to a more typical supply situation in which gas is drawn from a larger number of smaller fields. Known reserves might typically stretch forward a decade or so, rather than Maui’s thirty years.
Projections from Shell, our dominant oil and gas producer, suggest current known reserves are enough to meet demand, at a wellhead price of $4 a gigajoule, until 2010. This appears to be conservative, since there is a surplus available before 2010, at least some of which is likely to be carried over into subsequent years. These projections do not assume any new discoveries and exclude the Kupe field, which Shell believes would be uneconomic at $4 a gigajoule. They also assume that $4 a gigajoule would be too much for Methanex, which requires cheaper gas to be economic.
Hodgson on climate issues
(Kyoto) It has its limitations. It will not be, at first, a truly global agreement. It will cut western world greenhouse gas emissions in total by a mere 5 percent on 1990 levels, at best, if all parties meet their modest targets in the first commitment period.
But the Protocol does establish a functional international mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That mechanism is the fruit of many years of negotiation and refinement. It embraces market solutions to an extent that the business community would generally be expected to welcome. It offers significant flexibility to member nations in their choice of how to manage their emissions. And it is readily capable of expansion to include developing nations in the second and subsequent commitment periods.
(Kyoto) It has its limitations. It will not be, at first, a truly global agreement. It will cut western world greenhouse gas emissions in total by a mere 5 percent on 1990 levels, at best, if all parties meet their modest targets in the first commitment period.
But the Protocol does establish a functional international mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That mechanism is the fruit of many years of negotiation and refinement. It embraces market solutions to an extent that the business community would generally be expected to welcome. It offers significant flexibility to member nations in their choice of how to manage their emissions. And it is readily capable of expansion to include developing nations in the second and subsequent commitment periods.
Govt stands firm over dam
The government says it will not be giving in to pressure to allow a new hydro scheme on the West Coast.
The National Party has launched a campaign to overturn a government decision blocking the proposed Dobson dam.
Supporters of the dam, like Grey Mayor Kevin Brown, say energy needs will double over the next five years and the dam could provide that energy.
RELATED VIDEO
-Govt stands firm over dam (01:53)
POLITICAL TOPICS
-Within spitting distance
-Shaking up the pecking order
-"So the Maori says to the Scotsman..."
The government says it will not be giving in to pressure to allow a new hydro scheme on the West Coast.
The National Party has launched a campaign to overturn a government decision blocking the proposed Dobson dam.
Supporters of the dam, like Grey Mayor Kevin Brown, say energy needs will double over the next five years and the dam could provide that energy.
The government says it will not be giving in to pressure to allow a new hydro scheme on the West Coast.
The National Party has launched a campaign to overturn a government decision blocking the proposed Dobson dam.
Supporters of the dam, like Grey Mayor Kevin Brown, say energy needs will double over the next five years and the dam could provide that energy.
RELATED VIDEO
-Govt stands firm over dam (01:53)
POLITICAL TOPICS
-Within spitting distance
-Shaking up the pecking order
-"So the Maori says to the Scotsman..."
The government says it will not be giving in to pressure to allow a new hydro scheme on the West Coast.
The National Party has launched a campaign to overturn a government decision blocking the proposed Dobson dam.
Supporters of the dam, like Grey Mayor Kevin Brown, say energy needs will double over the next five years and the dam could provide that energy.
Ozone hole splits in two, continues to shrink
This year’s Antarctic ozone hole is the smallest one since 1988, but this has little to do with earthly activities and much to do with weird weather in the stratosphere, according to US government scientists.
This year’s Antarctic ozone hole is the smallest one since 1988, but this has little to do with earthly activities and much to do with weird weather in the stratosphere, according to US government scientists.
