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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Australia still won't ratify Kyoto
Australian Prime Minister John Howard today repeated his decision to not ratify the Kyoto Protocol. A potential Russian ratification, which would see the Protocol enter into force, would not change his mind.
"Australia won't ratify the Kyoto Protocol until the ratification of that protocol will protect the long-term national interests of this country," Mr Howard told the Australia Parliament, according to AAP.
“The problem with the Kyoto Protocol, as presently cast, is that developing countries such as Russia and China would not be subject to the same strictures as developed countries such as Australia.”
"If we adhered to the protocol, as requested by the leader of the opposition, that would disadvantage the resource industries of Australia.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard today repeated his decision to not ratify the Kyoto Protocol. A potential Russian ratification, which would see the Protocol enter into force, would not change his mind.
"Australia won't ratify the Kyoto Protocol until the ratification of that protocol will protect the long-term national interests of this country," Mr Howard told the Australia Parliament, according to AAP.
“The problem with the Kyoto Protocol, as presently cast, is that developing countries such as Russia and China would not be subject to the same strictures as developed countries such as Australia.”
"If we adhered to the protocol, as requested by the leader of the opposition, that would disadvantage the resource industries of Australia.
ACT's deputy leader Ken Shirley says it is ridiculous a first world country cannot even keep the lights on
The ACT Party is furious at news of another winter of power shortages after several years of warnings from the experts.
Transpower has warned line capacity issues could mean that some South Island homes have blackouts.
ACT's deputy leader Ken Shirley says it is ridiculous a first world country cannot even keep the lights on.
He says the Government has to address the problems impeding new generation investment.
Mr Shirley lists the canning of Project Aqua, the anti-nuclear stance and the Kyoto Protocol preventing coal use.
He says New Zealand has to wake up and realise it is on the verge of a major energy crisis."
Comment: Quite how a carbon tax in prospect prevented Transpower from building grid capacity is a bit mysterious.
Oh, and Meridian did not blame the RMA. Anti nuclear stance? Sock this one home squarely with Transpower.
The ACT Party is furious at news of another winter of power shortages after several years of warnings from the experts.
Transpower has warned line capacity issues could mean that some South Island homes have blackouts.
ACT's deputy leader Ken Shirley says it is ridiculous a first world country cannot even keep the lights on.
He says the Government has to address the problems impeding new generation investment.
Mr Shirley lists the canning of Project Aqua, the anti-nuclear stance and the Kyoto Protocol preventing coal use.
He says New Zealand has to wake up and realise it is on the verge of a major energy crisis."
Comment: Quite how a carbon tax in prospect prevented Transpower from building grid capacity is a bit mysterious.
Oh, and Meridian did not blame the RMA. Anti nuclear stance? Sock this one home squarely with Transpower.
Russia and EU agree on WTO, Russia to speed up Kyoto
The European Union agreed to back Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization today, according to press agencies, but with no formal agreement on the Kyoto Protocol. Valdimir Putin said afterwards that he will speed up the process of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.
For a long time there has been speculation that the EU might back Russian WTO membership in return for Moscow’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. There was no formal mention of the Kyoto Protocl in the agreement between EU and Russia, but President Putin spoke positively of Kyoto afterwards:
"We support the Kyoto process," Putin said in his clearest statement yet on the subject, "but we have some concerns in connection with the commitments we have to undertake," reported ITAR-TASS.
"The EU has met us halfway in talks over the WTO and that cannot but affect positively our position on the Kyoto Protocol," Putin told a news conference. "We will speed up Russia's movement toward the Kyoto Protocol's ratification."
The European Union agreed to back Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization today, according to press agencies, but with no formal agreement on the Kyoto Protocol. Valdimir Putin said afterwards that he will speed up the process of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.
For a long time there has been speculation that the EU might back Russian WTO membership in return for Moscow’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. There was no formal mention of the Kyoto Protocl in the agreement between EU and Russia, but President Putin spoke positively of Kyoto afterwards:
"We support the Kyoto process," Putin said in his clearest statement yet on the subject, "but we have some concerns in connection with the commitments we have to undertake," reported ITAR-TASS.
"The EU has met us halfway in talks over the WTO and that cannot but affect positively our position on the Kyoto Protocol," Putin told a news conference. "We will speed up Russia's movement toward the Kyoto Protocol's ratification."
Energy efficiency funding for healthier homes and solar water heating
More than 6000 low-income families will have warmer, drier, healthier homes as a result of a near doubling of funding for home energy efficiency retrofits in the 2004 Budget.
Funding for the promotion of solar water heating is also doubling, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
'Improving energy efficiency and increasing our use of renewable energy sources are essential steps towards a sustainable energy future,' Mr Hodgson says. 'Practical steps include making New Zealand homes more energy efficient and enabling growth in renewable technologies, such as solar water heating.' "
More than 6000 low-income families will have warmer, drier, healthier homes as a result of a near doubling of funding for home energy efficiency retrofits in the 2004 Budget.
Funding for the promotion of solar water heating is also doubling, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
'Improving energy efficiency and increasing our use of renewable energy sources are essential steps towards a sustainable energy future,' Mr Hodgson says. 'Practical steps include making New Zealand homes more energy efficient and enabling growth in renewable technologies, such as solar water heating.' "
Methanex's local future in doubt
The future of the big methanol fuel plant in Taranaki is unclear, with its owner not among those to stitch up gas supply contracts.
The plant's Canadian owner Methanex has not secured gas supply from the undeveloped Pohokura field, or from the smaller McKee and Mangahewa fields.
Methanex, currently one the biggest gas consumers in the country, now has no large long-term supply option when the Maui field runs down over the next few years.
The undeveloped Pohokura gas field off Taranaki will take over from the Maui field as the biggest source of gas for the country, but is much smaller."
The future of the big methanol fuel plant in Taranaki is unclear, with its owner not among those to stitch up gas supply contracts.
The plant's Canadian owner Methanex has not secured gas supply from the undeveloped Pohokura field, or from the smaller McKee and Mangahewa fields.
Methanex, currently one the biggest gas consumers in the country, now has no large long-term supply option when the Maui field runs down over the next few years.
The undeveloped Pohokura gas field off Taranaki will take over from the Maui field as the biggest source of gas for the country, but is much smaller."
NZ doesn't need nuclear power, says scientist
Celebrated environmentalist and scientist James Lovelock shocked fellow greens this week by supporting nuclear energy, but says New Zealand does not need it.
'You've got all the renewables in the world. You're singularly fortunate,' he told National Radio today.
New Zealand had 'a lot of wind' with a small enough population and enough space for wind turbines.
'You've got geothermal, I should imagine, in enormous quantities,' Professor Lovelock said.
'I would have thought that New Zealand could be the first place in the world, after Iceland that is, to get all of its energy from renewables.' "
Celebrated environmentalist and scientist James Lovelock shocked fellow greens this week by supporting nuclear energy, but says New Zealand does not need it.
'You've got all the renewables in the world. You're singularly fortunate,' he told National Radio today.
New Zealand had 'a lot of wind' with a small enough population and enough space for wind turbines.
'You've got geothermal, I should imagine, in enormous quantities,' Professor Lovelock said.
'I would have thought that New Zealand could be the first place in the world, after Iceland that is, to get all of its energy from renewables.' "
Plans for big wind farm blow hot
Marlborough could become home to one of the southern hemisphere's largest electricity wind farms.
Electricity generator TrustPower is looking at building a 90 megawatt (mW) capacity wind farm on the coast near Seddon as one option to make the region more energy self-sufficient.
Chief executive Keith Tempest said the company hoped to apply for resource consent for the project - which could provide power for more than 30,000 homes - some time next year if it turned out to be feasible. "
Marlborough could become home to one of the southern hemisphere's largest electricity wind farms.
Electricity generator TrustPower is looking at building a 90 megawatt (mW) capacity wind farm on the coast near Seddon as one option to make the region more energy self-sufficient.
Chief executive Keith Tempest said the company hoped to apply for resource consent for the project - which could provide power for more than 30,000 homes - some time next year if it turned out to be feasible. "
Auckland ponders zero waste policy
Auckland City is considering a zero waste policy after the switch to small wheelie bins failed to halve the amount of rubbish going to landfills.
A shift to zero waste has been embraced by some councillors but met caution from others who compare it to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases - fine in principle but difficult to implement.
Comment: Strange comparison - zero waste requires a 100% reduction - Kyoto for NZ requres a 0% reduciton from 1990 levels, with an out for new sinks.
Auckland City is considering a zero waste policy after the switch to small wheelie bins failed to halve the amount of rubbish going to landfills.
A shift to zero waste has been embraced by some councillors but met caution from others who compare it to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases - fine in principle but difficult to implement.
Comment: Strange comparison - zero waste requires a 100% reduction - Kyoto for NZ requres a 0% reduciton from 1990 levels, with an out for new sinks.
Far North site eyed for wind farm trial
Meridian Energy is to investigate a potential wind farm site near Ahipara, at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach in the Far North.
The company is seeking consent from the Far North District Council to construct and test two 80m-high steel poles with anemometers on top to measure wind velocity, speed and direction. "
Meridian Energy is to investigate a potential wind farm site near Ahipara, at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach in the Far North.
The company is seeking consent from the Far North District Council to construct and test two 80m-high steel poles with anemometers on top to measure wind velocity, speed and direction. "
National Party leader goes back to basics in keynote speech
Asked how the country could get economic growth without the surety of supply of electricity, Dr Brash said the country was bedevilled by Government policies inhibiting investment in electricity.
One of the main impediments was the Kyoto Protocol and the uncertain nature of the carbon tax. If the carbon tax was too high, electricity generators would look for wind power or hydro-electricity options. If the tax was low, coal-burning stations would be built, he said.
National saw no justification for the implementation of a carbon tax before 2012, the first stage of the Kyoto Protocol. After 2012, National would not continue with the tax unless other major economic powers signed up to the protocol."
Asked how the country could get economic growth without the surety of supply of electricity, Dr Brash said the country was bedevilled by Government policies inhibiting investment in electricity.
One of the main impediments was the Kyoto Protocol and the uncertain nature of the carbon tax. If the carbon tax was too high, electricity generators would look for wind power or hydro-electricity options. If the tax was low, coal-burning stations would be built, he said.
National saw no justification for the implementation of a carbon tax before 2012, the first stage of the Kyoto Protocol. After 2012, National would not continue with the tax unless other major economic powers signed up to the protocol."
Change in attitude the key to energy efficiency
COMMENT
Why do we have to be exhorted to be more energy efficient in our homes and businesses?
The article by Heather Staley (Herald, April 23) is a sorry reflection on the efficiency of the Government agency EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), whose job it is to promote energy efficiency.
One would have thought that in its first decade, EECA would have been able to point to a noticeable cultural shift in our attitudes towards energy efficiency and conservation.
The fact that this article was written and the nature of its contents show that this is demonstrably untrue, even though the article points to some excellent examples."
COMMENT
Why do we have to be exhorted to be more energy efficient in our homes and businesses?
The article by Heather Staley (Herald, April 23) is a sorry reflection on the efficiency of the Government agency EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), whose job it is to promote energy efficiency.
One would have thought that in its first decade, EECA would have been able to point to a noticeable cultural shift in our attitudes towards energy efficiency and conservation.
The fact that this article was written and the nature of its contents show that this is demonstrably untrue, even though the article points to some excellent examples."
Green guru backs nuclear power
Global warming is advancing so swiftly that only a huge expansion of nuclear power as the world's main energy source can prevent it overwhelming civilisation, says scientist and 'green' guru James Lovelock.
His call will cause plenty of disquiet for the environmental movement. It has long considered the 84-year-old radical thinker a hero, and sees climate change as the most important issue facing the world, but it also regards opposition to nuclear power as an article of faith.
Last night, the leaders of both Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth rejected his call. "
Global warming is advancing so swiftly that only a huge expansion of nuclear power as the world's main energy source can prevent it overwhelming civilisation, says scientist and 'green' guru James Lovelock.
His call will cause plenty of disquiet for the environmental movement. It has long considered the 84-year-old radical thinker a hero, and sees climate change as the most important issue facing the world, but it also regards opposition to nuclear power as an article of faith.
Last night, the leaders of both Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth rejected his call. "
Genesis seals Todd Energy dealGenesis Power, New Zealand's biggest energy retailer, has agreed to buy natural gas from closely held Todd Energy, speeding its plans for a new 385 megawatt gas-fired power station.
Genesis will buy a four-year gas supply from Todd Energy's Mangahewa and McKee fields starting on January 1.
It will also buy gas from Todd's Pohokura entitlements starting in January 2006 and running until the end of 2011, the Government-owned generator said in a statement. No price or volumes were disclosed.
Auckland-based Genesis owns the 1000Mw Huntly power station, the country's largest. It is seeking more gas for its so-called E3P project to build a 385Mw generator on the same site. Genesis wants the new generator running in 2006. "
Genesis will buy a four-year gas supply from Todd Energy's Mangahewa and McKee fields starting on January 1.
It will also buy gas from Todd's Pohokura entitlements starting in January 2006 and running until the end of 2011, the Government-owned generator said in a statement. No price or volumes were disclosed.
Auckland-based Genesis owns the 1000Mw Huntly power station, the country's largest. It is seeking more gas for its so-called E3P project to build a 385Mw generator on the same site. Genesis wants the new generator running in 2006. "
Sustainable Development and Infrastructure
Report for the Ministry of Economic Development"
Report for the Ministry of Economic Development"
Russia to postpone Kyoto ratification decision
Russia's Energy and Industry Minister Viktor Khristenko would ask Thursday's government meeting to postpone the deadline for a decision on whether Russia will ratify the Kyoto Protocol by three months.
The Russian Government was to submit its report on the pros and cons of ratification to President Putin today. Yet, according to an unnamed source in the Ministry of Energy and Industry, 'Mr Khristenko has signed a request to the government to extend the deadline for examining Kyoto by three months' , reported Reuters.
The delay is apparently caused by differences between the ministries, which drew up a report approving the treaty, and the Russian Academy of Sciences, which says the Protocol has no scientific foundation. According to the source, Mr. Khristenko does not want to fall out with the Academy of Sciences.
Because of wide divergence of positions on the Protocol in Russia, doubts are raised that a ratification announcement will be made at the upcoming EU-Russia summit. Previously this week both EU and Russian negotiators hinted that Kyoto was connected to EU-Russian negotiations on WTO entry and a deal was possible should Russian demands be met."
Russia's Energy and Industry Minister Viktor Khristenko would ask Thursday's government meeting to postpone the deadline for a decision on whether Russia will ratify the Kyoto Protocol by three months.
The Russian Government was to submit its report on the pros and cons of ratification to President Putin today. Yet, according to an unnamed source in the Ministry of Energy and Industry, 'Mr Khristenko has signed a request to the government to extend the deadline for examining Kyoto by three months' , reported Reuters.
The delay is apparently caused by differences between the ministries, which drew up a report approving the treaty, and the Russian Academy of Sciences, which says the Protocol has no scientific foundation. According to the source, Mr. Khristenko does not want to fall out with the Academy of Sciences.
Because of wide divergence of positions on the Protocol in Russia, doubts are raised that a ratification announcement will be made at the upcoming EU-Russia summit. Previously this week both EU and Russian negotiators hinted that Kyoto was connected to EU-Russian negotiations on WTO entry and a deal was possible should Russian demands be met."
Solar eclipsed by Aus fossil fuel funding
Federal Government support for research on fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy could cost the country its lead in solar technology, scientists say.
The warning follows a decision not to fund a proposed Co-operative Research Centre in Solar Energy to help commercialise Australian technology, such as the University of Sydney's linear solar concentrators being trialled at Liddell Power Station.
Professor Andrew Blakers, director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the Australian National University, said the fossil fuel industry had received more than $110 million in government backing for strategic research and development, with more expected in the budget."
Federal Government support for research on fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy could cost the country its lead in solar technology, scientists say.
The warning follows a decision not to fund a proposed Co-operative Research Centre in Solar Energy to help commercialise Australian technology, such as the University of Sydney's linear solar concentrators being trialled at Liddell Power Station.
Professor Andrew Blakers, director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the Australian National University, said the fossil fuel industry had received more than $110 million in government backing for strategic research and development, with more expected in the budget."
Energy to fore in our worries
A stocktake of the country's infrastructure has reinforced concerns about future energy supplies just weeks after a Treasury report revealed similar worries.
The infrastructure audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows it is generally in 'reasonable condition'.
However, there are 'significant' issues over power generation, water and wastewater, and land transport, particularly in rail and on Auckland roads.
New power plants are needed, but uncertainty is inhibiting investment because of:
* The Kyoto Protocol on climate change and the cost of proposed carbon taxes, which will penalise greenhouse gas-producing power stations such as those using coal. "
A stocktake of the country's infrastructure has reinforced concerns about future energy supplies just weeks after a Treasury report revealed similar worries.
The infrastructure audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows it is generally in 'reasonable condition'.
However, there are 'significant' issues over power generation, water and wastewater, and land transport, particularly in rail and on Auckland roads.
New power plants are needed, but uncertainty is inhibiting investment because of:
* The Kyoto Protocol on climate change and the cost of proposed carbon taxes, which will penalise greenhouse gas-producing power stations such as those using coal. "
Government offers carbon credits to forest owners
The owners of permanent forests established since 1990 will be able to get Kyoto Protocol carbon credits under a new climate change policy, the Government said today.
Pete Hodgson, the minister in charge of climate change, said the move recognised the long-term value of permanent reforestation.
'This programme creates an opportunity for landowners, probably of largely marginal land, to gain financially by re-establishing permanent forests,' he said.
'Landowners meeting the requirements of the Future Forests programme will be able to get internationally tradeable carbon credits they can bank or sell.' "
The owners of permanent forests established since 1990 will be able to get Kyoto Protocol carbon credits under a new climate change policy, the Government said today.
Pete Hodgson, the minister in charge of climate change, said the move recognised the long-term value of permanent reforestation.
'This programme creates an opportunity for landowners, probably of largely marginal land, to gain financially by re-establishing permanent forests,' he said.
'Landowners meeting the requirements of the Future Forests programme will be able to get internationally tradeable carbon credits they can bank or sell.' "
Mixed bag of forestry plans
Two years of negotiation between forestry leaders and the Government have ended abruptly with what industry insiders describe as a mixed bag of proposals.
There had been high hopes within the industry that the talks would yield big concessions in return for the Government's decision to hold on to the sector's valuable Kyoto Protocol forest sink credits. "
Two years of negotiation between forestry leaders and the Government have ended abruptly with what industry insiders describe as a mixed bag of proposals.
There had been high hopes within the industry that the talks would yield big concessions in return for the Government's decision to hold on to the sector's valuable Kyoto Protocol forest sink credits. "
More carbon credits on offer for climate-friendly projects
The government is offering more carbon credits to support projects that will reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
The Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, says Budget 2004 will make another six million credits available through a tender process later this year.
'The first offer of four million carbon credits, last year, attracted an excellent response,' Mr Hodgson said. 'It has resulted in awards of credits to 15 emission-reducing projects, including wind farms, hydro-electricity, bioenergy and landfill gas schemes, and cogeneration plants.
'Last year's call for proposals attracted 46 bids seeking a total of more than 15 million credits. This suggests New Zealand businesses can see the opportunity to bring forward innovative, cleaner energy developments with the help of this programme.'
Mr Hodgson announced the second Projects to Reduce Emissions tender round today at the official opening"
The government is offering more carbon credits to support projects that will reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
The Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, says Budget 2004 will make another six million credits available through a tender process later this year.
'The first offer of four million carbon credits, last year, attracted an excellent response,' Mr Hodgson said. 'It has resulted in awards of credits to 15 emission-reducing projects, including wind farms, hydro-electricity, bioenergy and landfill gas schemes, and cogeneration plants.
'Last year's call for proposals attracted 46 bids seeking a total of more than 15 million credits. This suggests New Zealand businesses can see the opportunity to bring forward innovative, cleaner energy developments with the help of this programme.'
Mr Hodgson announced the second Projects to Reduce Emissions tender round today at the official opening"
Solar advocates slam wind farm guidelines
New provisions in Wellington's district plan are being tipped to change the face of tourism in the city.
The guidelines for assessing alternative energy development - specifically wind farms - rather than encouraging energy conservation, have been criticised by opponents for being destructive and mischievous.
At the same time they have been hailed as forward thinking and wise by the electricity sector.
Makara Guardians, which is fighting to stop wind farm development on Wellington's west coast, says any development would come at a cost to the tourist industry. "
New provisions in Wellington's district plan are being tipped to change the face of tourism in the city.
The guidelines for assessing alternative energy development - specifically wind farms - rather than encouraging energy conservation, have been criticised by opponents for being destructive and mischievous.
At the same time they have been hailed as forward thinking and wise by the electricity sector.
Makara Guardians, which is fighting to stop wind farm development on Wellington's west coast, says any development would come at a cost to the tourist industry. "
Wind power on the rise
The opening of TrustPower's expanded Tararua windfarm today marks the beginning of an era of rapid growth for wind power in New Zealand, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
'By the end of this year New Zealand will have nearly four times as much wind generation as it does now,' Mr Hodgson says. 'New Zealand has a very good and largely untapped wind resource, and the technology is rapidly becoming more economic. TrustPower's expansion of the Tararua wind farm is the first of several wind power developments that will come onstream in the near future.'
Mr Hodgson officially opens the Tararua windfarm extension this afternoon. The windfarm, in the Manawatu Gorge area near Palmerston North, is increasing from 48 to 103 turbines, generating enough electricity to supply 28,000 average households.
'This extra wind power is onstream now because the project was assisted by Kyoto Protocol carbon credits from the government,' Mr Hodgson said. "
The opening of TrustPower's expanded Tararua windfarm today marks the beginning of an era of rapid growth for wind power in New Zealand, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
'By the end of this year New Zealand will have nearly four times as much wind generation as it does now,' Mr Hodgson says. 'New Zealand has a very good and largely untapped wind resource, and the technology is rapidly becoming more economic. TrustPower's expansion of the Tararua wind farm is the first of several wind power developments that will come onstream in the near future.'
Mr Hodgson officially opens the Tararua windfarm extension this afternoon. The windfarm, in the Manawatu Gorge area near Palmerston North, is increasing from 48 to 103 turbines, generating enough electricity to supply 28,000 average households.
'This extra wind power is onstream now because the project was assisted by Kyoto Protocol carbon credits from the government,' Mr Hodgson said. "
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Landfills
Proposed National Environmental Standards to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Landfills: Resource Management Act Section 32 Analysis of the costs and benefits
Proposed National Environmental Standards to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Landfills: Resource Management Act Section 32 Analysis of the costs and benefits
National playing poodle on Kyoto
The National Party has abandoned both principle and independence in its latest position on the Kyoto Protocol, says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"National governments signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, negotiated New Zealand's Kyoto Protocol target, signed the Protocol and began developing policy to meet New Zealand's Kyoto obligations, including proposals for a carbon tax and tradeable emissions permits.
"Now we have Nick Smith reportedly saying a National government would withdraw New Zealand from the Protocol if the United States and Australia do not ratify. Apparently National has now reached the position where it is up to Washington and Canberra to decide what New Zealand should be doing about climate change.
"New Zealand was the 101st of the 122 nations that have ratified the Protocol to date. Of the 38 developed nations that have emissions targets under the Protocol, only two – the United States and Australia – currently have governments that do not intend to ratify.
"National wants New Zealand to become the third holdout. The damage to our reputation with the rest of the world would be incalculable. Unlike Australia and the USA, New Zealand would be welching on an international commitment we have already made.
The National Party has abandoned both principle and independence in its latest position on the Kyoto Protocol, says the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
"National governments signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, negotiated New Zealand's Kyoto Protocol target, signed the Protocol and began developing policy to meet New Zealand's Kyoto obligations, including proposals for a carbon tax and tradeable emissions permits.
"Now we have Nick Smith reportedly saying a National government would withdraw New Zealand from the Protocol if the United States and Australia do not ratify. Apparently National has now reached the position where it is up to Washington and Canberra to decide what New Zealand should be doing about climate change.
"New Zealand was the 101st of the 122 nations that have ratified the Protocol to date. Of the 38 developed nations that have emissions targets under the Protocol, only two – the United States and Australia – currently have governments that do not intend to ratify.
"National wants New Zealand to become the third holdout. The damage to our reputation with the rest of the world would be incalculable. Unlike Australia and the USA, New Zealand would be welching on an international commitment we have already made.
National may quit Kyoto protocol if elected, says Nick Smith
A National government will opt out of the Kyoto agreement if the United States and Australia don't sign up, Nelson MP Nick Smith said last night.
Mr Smith also pledged to encourage the development of natural resources and change the Resource Management Act (RMA). "
A National government will opt out of the Kyoto agreement if the United States and Australia don't sign up, Nelson MP Nick Smith said last night.
Mr Smith also pledged to encourage the development of natural resources and change the Resource Management Act (RMA). "
Australia boosts climate change funding
The Howard Government of Australia is investing AUS$463.6 million over the next four years in strengthening of its climate change programmes. $70.3 million of new funding will build on existing commitments. The Government's $463.6 million investment includes $260 million for eleven new measures that aim to limit Australia's greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a strong and competitive economy.
Spending by the Australian Greenhouse Office in 2004-05 will be $116.6 million – an increase of $19.5 million over 2003-04. $2.6 million is also being provided to the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) in 2004-05 for the continued administration of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET). The 2004-05 Budget takes the Howard Government's total funding allocated for climate change measures to more than $1 billion, the Government announced today.
The Howard Government of Australia is investing AUS$463.6 million over the next four years in strengthening of its climate change programmes. $70.3 million of new funding will build on existing commitments. The Government's $463.6 million investment includes $260 million for eleven new measures that aim to limit Australia's greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a strong and competitive economy.
Spending by the Australian Greenhouse Office in 2004-05 will be $116.6 million – an increase of $19.5 million over 2003-04. $2.6 million is also being provided to the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) in 2004-05 for the continued administration of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET). The 2004-05 Budget takes the Howard Government's total funding allocated for climate change measures to more than $1 billion, the Government announced today.
UK Cement group to pioneer new fuel
The UK's largest cement manufacturer is set to pioneer the use of sewage treatment sludge as a fuel, in an effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Lafarge UK has struck a deal with Northumbrian Water under which half the sewage treatment sludge produced in the north-east will be used to heat the cement kiln at its Cauldron Works in Staffordshire.
The use of the fuel, which is deemed to be 'carbon neutral', will help the company to meet its self-imposed target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent between 1990 and 2010."
The UK's largest cement manufacturer is set to pioneer the use of sewage treatment sludge as a fuel, in an effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Lafarge UK has struck a deal with Northumbrian Water under which half the sewage treatment sludge produced in the north-east will be used to heat the cement kiln at its Cauldron Works in Staffordshire.
The use of the fuel, which is deemed to be 'carbon neutral', will help the company to meet its self-imposed target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent between 1990 and 2010."
