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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Illarionov: Russia will ratify Kyoto
Asked Tuesday whether Russia will ratify the Kyoto Protocol, Andrei Illarionov, Russia's fiercest Kyoto Protocol opponent, said simply, 'I think so.' He said Russia will ratify in a 'gesture toward the European Union'. However, he denied that ratification was aimed at obtaining support for a new Russian UN resolution on terrorism, for Putin's strengthening of his personal powers, or for Russian WTO membership.
Illarionov has been fiercely fighting ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, so it is a significant indication that he now seems to think the battle has been lost.
Asked Tuesday whether Russia will ratify the Kyoto Protocol, Andrei Illarionov, Russia's fiercest Kyoto Protocol opponent, said simply, 'I think so.' He said Russia will ratify in a 'gesture toward the European Union'. However, he denied that ratification was aimed at obtaining support for a new Russian UN resolution on terrorism, for Putin's strengthening of his personal powers, or for Russian WTO membership.
Illarionov has been fiercely fighting ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, so it is a significant indication that he now seems to think the battle has been lost.
$10m to protect oldest buildings
The Government has taken the unusual step of footing a $10 million bill for a Northland bypass that will save two of New Zealand's oldest buildings.
The bypass is to protect the 19th century Kemp House and Stone Store from the nearby Kerikeri River and vibration from passing vehicles.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday that the Government would pay for a new 1.6km road because the buildings were of exceptional heritage significance and the area was the most evocative Maori-Pakeha meeting site in the country. "
The Government has taken the unusual step of footing a $10 million bill for a Northland bypass that will save two of New Zealand's oldest buildings.
The bypass is to protect the 19th century Kemp House and Stone Store from the nearby Kerikeri River and vibration from passing vehicles.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday that the Government would pay for a new 1.6km road because the buildings were of exceptional heritage significance and the area was the most evocative Maori-Pakeha meeting site in the country. "
Kyoto: The next Think Big
The government's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol could be the country's next Think Big disaster that will cost the economy billions of dollars.
While some overseas commentators, such as the American Enterprise Institute's James K Glassman, say the protocol is a dead duck, despite efforts by the Europeans to keep it alive, the New Zealand government is blithely going ahead.
The cost, according to a new Business New Zealand-commissioned report, puts the total liability at a whopping $9-14 billion over the next 20 years.
BNZ chief executive Simon Carlaw, in releasing the report by Castalia Strategic Advisors, says New Zealand should take note of Ireland, which has abandoned carbon taxes, figuring the costs outweigh the environmental benefits..
He says the report shows the liability of complying with the protocol is large enough to warrant it being included in the government's financial statements."
Comment - well actualy Ireland has chosen a different path from carbon taxes which were always a small part of its compliance strategy. Regulation will loom larger. Is that what Business NZ wants here?
The government's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol could be the country's next Think Big disaster that will cost the economy billions of dollars.
While some overseas commentators, such as the American Enterprise Institute's James K Glassman, say the protocol is a dead duck, despite efforts by the Europeans to keep it alive, the New Zealand government is blithely going ahead.
The cost, according to a new Business New Zealand-commissioned report, puts the total liability at a whopping $9-14 billion over the next 20 years.
BNZ chief executive Simon Carlaw, in releasing the report by Castalia Strategic Advisors, says New Zealand should take note of Ireland, which has abandoned carbon taxes, figuring the costs outweigh the environmental benefits..
He says the report shows the liability of complying with the protocol is large enough to warrant it being included in the government's financial statements."
Comment - well actualy Ireland has chosen a different path from carbon taxes which were always a small part of its compliance strategy. Regulation will loom larger. Is that what Business NZ wants here?
Carlaw wrong on climate change
Simon Carlaw's statement, Big Kyoto liability looming, contains the following errors and weaknesses says Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
He has relied on information from Castalia, a company that has recently produced two reports related to New Zealand's position on climate change. The first is undermined by a combination of methodology errors and forecasting assumptions at the bottom end of credibility. The second carries forward that analysis.
He claims that Castalia's unproven and unlikely liability should be recorded on the nation's books. The Auditor General's office disagrees.
He has assumed that the forthcoming carbon charge will be pocketed by the Crown, when the government's policy is to do the opposite and recycle it back into the economy.
He seems to want to tax farmers around $1 billion a year and abandon Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements with companies whose competitiveness would otherwise be at risk; driving one lot into the ground and the other offshore. "
Simon Carlaw's statement, Big Kyoto liability looming, contains the following errors and weaknesses says Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
He has relied on information from Castalia, a company that has recently produced two reports related to New Zealand's position on climate change. The first is undermined by a combination of methodology errors and forecasting assumptions at the bottom end of credibility. The second carries forward that analysis.
He claims that Castalia's unproven and unlikely liability should be recorded on the nation's books. The Auditor General's office disagrees.
He has assumed that the forthcoming carbon charge will be pocketed by the Crown, when the government's policy is to do the opposite and recycle it back into the economy.
He seems to want to tax farmers around $1 billion a year and abandon Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements with companies whose competitiveness would otherwise be at risk; driving one lot into the ground and the other offshore. "
Save-lake plan turns into a bit of a mess
The Lake Ngaroto Yacht Club was out in force, the yachts zipping about the lake in a stiff breeze, their owners unconcerned by a renewed public health warning to avoid contact with the water.
Not entirely unconcerned. At least one club official fears the repeated warnings about the health risks posed by a permanent toxic algal bloom at the lake, 6km north of Te Awamutu, will put people off using it and cause the club's demise.
Various restoration efforts with varying amounts of success are going on at some of the lakes, but Ngaroto, the biggest peat lake in Waipa and described as the district's jewel, has had the most intensive restoration, costing more than $1 million.
Despite all the money and effort, which has won environmental awards and acclaim, the lake still has major problems.
Murray Dench, however, thinks the restoration project was a great idea but its execution a disaster. Peat lake expert Keith Thompson, a former Waikato University bioscience senior lecturer, agrees.
Both men say the plan to restore Ngaroto was done with insufficient expert advice and, along with O'Connor, wonder, too, about the worth of the February 2002 Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord.
The Lake Ngaroto Yacht Club was out in force, the yachts zipping about the lake in a stiff breeze, their owners unconcerned by a renewed public health warning to avoid contact with the water.
Not entirely unconcerned. At least one club official fears the repeated warnings about the health risks posed by a permanent toxic algal bloom at the lake, 6km north of Te Awamutu, will put people off using it and cause the club's demise.
Various restoration efforts with varying amounts of success are going on at some of the lakes, but Ngaroto, the biggest peat lake in Waipa and described as the district's jewel, has had the most intensive restoration, costing more than $1 million.
Despite all the money and effort, which has won environmental awards and acclaim, the lake still has major problems.
Murray Dench, however, thinks the restoration project was a great idea but its execution a disaster. Peat lake expert Keith Thompson, a former Waikato University bioscience senior lecturer, agrees.
Both men say the plan to restore Ngaroto was done with insufficient expert advice and, along with O'Connor, wonder, too, about the worth of the February 2002 Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord.
Save-lake plan turns into a bit of a mess
The Lake Ngaroto Yacht Club was out in force, the yachts zipping about the lake in a stiff breeze, their owners unconcerned by a renewed public health warning to avoid contact with the water.
Not entirely unconcerned. At least one club official fears the repeated warnings about the health risks posed by a permanent toxic algal bloom at the lake, 6km north of Te Awamutu, will put people off using it and cause the club's demise.
Despite all the money and effort, which has won environmental awards and acclaim, the lake still has major problems.
Murray Dench, however, thinks the restoration project was a great idea but its execution a disaster. Peat lake expert Keith Thompson, a former Waikato University bioscience senior lecturer, agrees.
Both men say the plan to restore Ngaroto was done with insufficient expert advice and, along with O'Connor, wonder, too, about the worth of the February 2002 Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord.
The Lake Ngaroto Yacht Club was out in force, the yachts zipping about the lake in a stiff breeze, their owners unconcerned by a renewed public health warning to avoid contact with the water.
Not entirely unconcerned. At least one club official fears the repeated warnings about the health risks posed by a permanent toxic algal bloom at the lake, 6km north of Te Awamutu, will put people off using it and cause the club's demise.
Despite all the money and effort, which has won environmental awards and acclaim, the lake still has major problems.
Murray Dench, however, thinks the restoration project was a great idea but its execution a disaster. Peat lake expert Keith Thompson, a former Waikato University bioscience senior lecturer, agrees.
Both men say the plan to restore Ngaroto was done with insufficient expert advice and, along with O'Connor, wonder, too, about the worth of the February 2002 Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord.
Save-lake plan turns into a bit of a mess
The Lake Ngaroto Yacht Club was out in force, the yachts zipping about the lake in a stiff breeze, their owners unconcerned by a renewed public health warning to avoid contact with the water.
Not entirely unconcerned. At least one club official fears the repeated warnings about the health risks posed by a permanent toxic algal bloom at the lake, 6km north of Te Awamutu, will put people off using it and cause the club's demise.
Despite all the money and effort, which has won environmental awards and acclaim, the lake still has major problems.
Murray Dench, however, thinks the restoration project was a great idea but its execution a disaster. Peat lake expert Keith Thompson, a former Waikato University bioscience senior lecturer, agrees.
Both men say the plan to restore Ngaroto was done with insufficient expert advice and, along with O'Connor, wonder, too, about the worth of the February 2002 Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord.
The Lake Ngaroto Yacht Club was out in force, the yachts zipping about the lake in a stiff breeze, their owners unconcerned by a renewed public health warning to avoid contact with the water.
Not entirely unconcerned. At least one club official fears the repeated warnings about the health risks posed by a permanent toxic algal bloom at the lake, 6km north of Te Awamutu, will put people off using it and cause the club's demise.
Despite all the money and effort, which has won environmental awards and acclaim, the lake still has major problems.
Murray Dench, however, thinks the restoration project was a great idea but its execution a disaster. Peat lake expert Keith Thompson, a former Waikato University bioscience senior lecturer, agrees.
Both men say the plan to restore Ngaroto was done with insufficient expert advice and, along with O'Connor, wonder, too, about the worth of the February 2002 Waipa Peat Lakes and Wetlands Accord.
Tax change threatens to keep investors out of forestry
Australian forestry is further assisted by the Australian Government's position on carbon trading. Unlike New Zealand, it has not nationalised carbon credits.
The carbon market in Australia provides extra leverage for investment and has expanded the commercial boundaries for forestry.
Industry experts estimate somewhere in the vicinity of A$5 billion ($5.34 billion) will flow into forestry there in the next five years.
The implications for New Zealand's forest sector are immense. Sure, the nationalisation of carbon credits will reduce the overall cost of Kyoto compliance by the Crown, but it will require the Government to become active in forestry again.
Monitoring and modelling of carbon stocks requires a complete inventory system, which will cause tension with the private sector.
The Government has tried to appease the forest sector by negotiating the Forest Industry Framework Agreement, but this has been soundly rejected by many in the industry as a slap in the face. "
Australian forestry is further assisted by the Australian Government's position on carbon trading. Unlike New Zealand, it has not nationalised carbon credits.
The carbon market in Australia provides extra leverage for investment and has expanded the commercial boundaries for forestry.
Industry experts estimate somewhere in the vicinity of A$5 billion ($5.34 billion) will flow into forestry there in the next five years.
The implications for New Zealand's forest sector are immense. Sure, the nationalisation of carbon credits will reduce the overall cost of Kyoto compliance by the Crown, but it will require the Government to become active in forestry again.
Monitoring and modelling of carbon stocks requires a complete inventory system, which will cause tension with the private sector.
The Government has tried to appease the forest sector by negotiating the Forest Industry Framework Agreement, but this has been soundly rejected by many in the industry as a slap in the face. "
BILLION DOLLARS MORE GAS FROM MAUI?
"Evidence that more gas can be extracted from the Maui field is good
for New Zealand, but the extra gas will come at a much higher cost" said
Mr John Blakeley, Convenor of the Sustainable Energy Forum (SEF). He was
commenting on an analysis of the Maui gas situation included in the
latest issue of Energy Watch - SEF's journal
Subsequent to this analysis, the Government's own publication Energy
Data File (July 2004), released last week, reports an even chance of
there being 300 petajoules (PJ) of gas recoverable from the Maui field
as at 1 January 2003 over and above the 367PJ which the Independent
Expert estimated at that date as being recoverable at the Maui contract
price.
"Advice of this additional gas is welcome news because a sudden
downward revision in gas quantities would have required drastic changes
in electricity generation" Mr Blakeley said.
"Evidence that more gas can be extracted from the Maui field is good
for New Zealand, but the extra gas will come at a much higher cost" said
Mr John Blakeley, Convenor of the Sustainable Energy Forum (SEF). He was
commenting on an analysis of the Maui gas situation included in the
latest issue of Energy Watch - SEF's journal
Subsequent to this analysis, the Government's own publication Energy
Data File (July 2004), released last week, reports an even chance of
there being 300 petajoules (PJ) of gas recoverable from the Maui field
as at 1 January 2003 over and above the 367PJ which the Independent
Expert estimated at that date as being recoverable at the Maui contract
price.
"Advice of this additional gas is welcome news because a sudden
downward revision in gas quantities would have required drastic changes
in electricity generation" Mr Blakeley said.
Putin tells ministries to salvage Kyoto
Russian President Vladimir Putin has told key ministries to sign the Kyoto protocol on global warming in a step towards salvaging the UN plan, international environmentalists said on Wednesday.
The WWF conservation group said the 1997 pact, which is dependent on Russia's final approval if it is to come into force despite a US pullout in 2001, could be ratified by the Russian parliament within the next few weeks.
Russian officials were not immediately available to comment.
'Putin has instructed key ministers to sign the Kyoto ratification documents,' WWF said in a statement, saying he had met key advisers on Kyoto last week. Once ministers had signed, the documents could go to parliament for formal ratification. "
Russian President Vladimir Putin has told key ministries to sign the Kyoto protocol on global warming in a step towards salvaging the UN plan, international environmentalists said on Wednesday.
The WWF conservation group said the 1997 pact, which is dependent on Russia's final approval if it is to come into force despite a US pullout in 2001, could be ratified by the Russian parliament within the next few weeks.
Russian officials were not immediately available to comment.
'Putin has instructed key ministers to sign the Kyoto ratification documents,' WWF said in a statement, saying he had met key advisers on Kyoto last week. Once ministers had signed, the documents could go to parliament for formal ratification. "
$2b plan for coal power station
A $2 billion lignite-fired power station project is on the cards for Southland and could be operational by 2012.
Solid Energy chief executive Dr Don Elder said yesterday the region had about 15 billion tonnes of lignite reserves, enough to power a 2000MW station for at least 1000 years, comparable with the some of the biggest in the world.
The State-owned enterprise was working towards developing such a plant that would not only guarantee a stable electricity supply to the aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point but also allow the region to export power to the rest of the country. "
A $2 billion lignite-fired power station project is on the cards for Southland and could be operational by 2012.
Solid Energy chief executive Dr Don Elder said yesterday the region had about 15 billion tonnes of lignite reserves, enough to power a 2000MW station for at least 1000 years, comparable with the some of the biggest in the world.
The State-owned enterprise was working towards developing such a plant that would not only guarantee a stable electricity supply to the aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point but also allow the region to export power to the rest of the country. "
KYOTO AND THE USA - ADVANCES IN EMISSIONS CONTROL AND ENERGY
HERA, the Coal Association and IPENZ Mechanical Engineering Group have invited Dr. Gary Stiegel of the Department of Energy USA to provide a briefing in Wellington and Auckland on the many energy and climate change mitigation initiatives actively being pursued by the USA.
(A unique opportunity for leaders and policy makers in industry and government to listen to an acknowledged international specialist in the energy field)
Thursday 30 September 2004 at 1 to 2p.m.
BP House Theatrette, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington.
1 p.m. Briefing by Dr. Gary Stiegel
Chairman: Chris Baker Chairman Coal Association
Summary in NZ business context: Noel Davies Chairman HERA Executive
Friday 1 October 2004 at 1 to 4 p.m.
HERA House, Gladding Place, Manukau, Auckland
1 p.m. Briefing by Dr. Gary Stiegel
2 - 4 p.m. An "engineering focussed workshop" identifying
· related new business opportunities arising from Gary's briefing and
· potential technology for transfer from or to NZ.
Chairman and Workshop Facilitator Noel Davies Chairman HERA Executive.
Summary of outcomes: Bill Maxwell Chairman IPENZ Mechanical Engineering Group
Registration for either event to HERA tel: 09-2624848 email: info@hera.org.nz
Further information: Norm Stannard, HERA Business Development tel: 07-8556 579 email: mqs@wave.co.nz and Trevor Matheson, Coal Association tel: 04-5703715 email: TWM@crl.co.nz
HERA, the Coal Association and IPENZ Mechanical Engineering Group have invited Dr. Gary Stiegel of the Department of Energy USA to provide a briefing in Wellington and Auckland on the many energy and climate change mitigation initiatives actively being pursued by the USA.
(A unique opportunity for leaders and policy makers in industry and government to listen to an acknowledged international specialist in the energy field)
Thursday 30 September 2004 at 1 to 2p.m.
BP House Theatrette, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington.
1 p.m. Briefing by Dr. Gary Stiegel
Chairman: Chris Baker Chairman Coal Association
Summary in NZ business context: Noel Davies Chairman HERA Executive
Friday 1 October 2004 at 1 to 4 p.m.
HERA House, Gladding Place, Manukau, Auckland
1 p.m. Briefing by Dr. Gary Stiegel
2 - 4 p.m. An "engineering focussed workshop" identifying
· related new business opportunities arising from Gary's briefing and
· potential technology for transfer from or to NZ.
Chairman and Workshop Facilitator Noel Davies Chairman HERA Executive.
Summary of outcomes: Bill Maxwell Chairman IPENZ Mechanical Engineering Group
Registration for either event to HERA tel: 09-2624848 email: info@hera.org.nz
Further information: Norm Stannard, HERA Business Development tel: 07-8556 579 email: mqs@wave.co.nz and Trevor Matheson, Coal Association tel: 04-5703715 email: TWM@crl.co.nz
Wind taken out of Genesis sails
Giant wind turbines will not be allowed to frighten the horses on Auckland's west coast in a decision an environment group labels 'bizarre'.
Franklin residents and Maori objected to Genesis Energy's plans to build 90m-high wind turbines on the wind-swept Awhitu Peninsula, 7km west of the small south Auckland town of Waiuku.
In a decision released yesterday, two planning commissioners backed their concerns, turning the project down.
Wind farm opponent Lesley Cotter said: 'I think this total rejection is excellent and we are ready for the Environment Court if the company decides to appeal,' she said. "
Giant wind turbines will not be allowed to frighten the horses on Auckland's west coast in a decision an environment group labels 'bizarre'.
Franklin residents and Maori objected to Genesis Energy's plans to build 90m-high wind turbines on the wind-swept Awhitu Peninsula, 7km west of the small south Auckland town of Waiuku.
In a decision released yesterday, two planning commissioners backed their concerns, turning the project down.
Wind farm opponent Lesley Cotter said: 'I think this total rejection is excellent and we are ready for the Environment Court if the company decides to appeal,' she said. "
Confusion over charges for changing land use Forest owners question Kyoto `tax'
Forest owners question Kyoto `tax'
Forest owners are asking for clarity on what they call a new Government tax on changing land use which some say could cost them as much as $20,000 a hectare.
The tax is linked to New Zealand's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol agreement to slow global warming, and applies to forests planted before 1990 which owners decide not to replant but to use the land for a different purpose.
New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Rob McLagan said if the cost was calculated at the current international market rate of carbon, it could be $20,000/ha.
He said the Government would assume liability for the Kyoto Protocol costs on up to 10% of deforested land planted before 1990.
But, beyond that there was uncertainty over how the charge to owners would be calculated and who was liable.
'The logistics of it are horrendous,' Mr McLagan said."
Forest owners question Kyoto `tax'
Forest owners are asking for clarity on what they call a new Government tax on changing land use which some say could cost them as much as $20,000 a hectare.
The tax is linked to New Zealand's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol agreement to slow global warming, and applies to forests planted before 1990 which owners decide not to replant but to use the land for a different purpose.
New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Rob McLagan said if the cost was calculated at the current international market rate of carbon, it could be $20,000/ha.
He said the Government would assume liability for the Kyoto Protocol costs on up to 10% of deforested land planted before 1990.
But, beyond that there was uncertainty over how the charge to owners would be calculated and who was liable.
'The logistics of it are horrendous,' Mr McLagan said."
Australian Labor would ratify Kyoto, set up emissions trading scheme
Joel Fitzgibbon, energy spokesman for the Australian Labor Party, repeated ALP’s intentions today to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and set up a domestic emissions trading scheme should they win the election. He also wants to set up a sustainable energy fund.
Fitzgibbon told the World Energy Congress in Sydney that Labor would set up a A$500 million (€286.3 million, US$345.2 million) sustainable energy fund. Australians are too dependent on oil imports and Labor would reform local gas and electricity markets, he argued.
At the Congress, he also repeated Labor’s intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and set up a domestic emissions trading scheme.
Joel Fitzgibbon, energy spokesman for the Australian Labor Party, repeated ALP’s intentions today to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and set up a domestic emissions trading scheme should they win the election. He also wants to set up a sustainable energy fund.
Fitzgibbon told the World Energy Congress in Sydney that Labor would set up a A$500 million (€286.3 million, US$345.2 million) sustainable energy fund. Australians are too dependent on oil imports and Labor would reform local gas and electricity markets, he argued.
At the Congress, he also repeated Labor’s intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and set up a domestic emissions trading scheme.
Seafloor methane ice may hold big tsunami risk as well as energy
Huge seafloor deposits of frozen natural gas being eyed by many countries as a potential energy source may also pose a severe risk of creating tidal waves triggered by underwater landslides, a New Zealand scientist says.
Geophysicist Ingo Pecher will sail up the Hawke's Bay coast next month in the research ship Tangaroa, trying to detect "gas hydrate" deposits in the seafloor sediments.
These "frozen" layers of methane gas are widespread in sediments beneath shallow seafloor around continental margins – including some of New Zealand's.
Dr Pecher said yesterday the gas hydrates – a crystal structure of methane gas surrounded by water molecules, held together by pressure and freezing temperatures – were increasingly being seen as a potential energy source.
Huge seafloor deposits of frozen natural gas being eyed by many countries as a potential energy source may also pose a severe risk of creating tidal waves triggered by underwater landslides, a New Zealand scientist says.
Geophysicist Ingo Pecher will sail up the Hawke's Bay coast next month in the research ship Tangaroa, trying to detect "gas hydrate" deposits in the seafloor sediments.
These "frozen" layers of methane gas are widespread in sediments beneath shallow seafloor around continental margins – including some of New Zealand's.
Dr Pecher said yesterday the gas hydrates – a crystal structure of methane gas surrounded by water molecules, held together by pressure and freezing temperatures – were increasingly being seen as a potential energy source.
Too late to stop global warming, says expert
Earth will continue to get hotter even if we reduce our output of greenhouse gases, says a top American climate-change expert.
Susan Solomon is a senior scientist at the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and co-chairwoman of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
In New Zealand to speak at an international conference on atmospheric chemistry in Christchurch tonight, Dr Solomon said temperatures would continue to increase during the next 20 to 30 years, even if we immediately stopped emitting key greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. That was because the gases took decades to break down in the atmosphere. "
Earth will continue to get hotter even if we reduce our output of greenhouse gases, says a top American climate-change expert.
Susan Solomon is a senior scientist at the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and co-chairwoman of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
In New Zealand to speak at an international conference on atmospheric chemistry in Christchurch tonight, Dr Solomon said temperatures would continue to increase during the next 20 to 30 years, even if we immediately stopped emitting key greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. That was because the gases took decades to break down in the atmosphere. "
Policy for Government Departments' Management of Historic Heritage 2004 - Ministry for Culture and Heritage
New Zealand's historic heritage is rich, varied and unique. It is a legacy of all generations, from the earliest places of Maori use and occupation to inner-city buildings. Places of historic heritage value are integral to our sense of nationhood and are an important visual and historical presence in the landscape. Iwi and hapu identity and cultural well-being are inseparable from whakapapa connections with places of historic heritage significance to Maori.
Government departments are the stewards of a large and significant portfolio of historic heritage, which they manage on behalf of the people of New Zealand. These properties illustrate aspects of past and continuing government activities, and New Zealand's social and economic development, culture and identity.
The government is committed to the promotion and protection of New Zealand's historic heritage and has established legislation and agencies for this purpose. It has ratified the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972). This policy is a further demonstration of the government's leadership role in historic heritage management. "
New Zealand's historic heritage is rich, varied and unique. It is a legacy of all generations, from the earliest places of Maori use and occupation to inner-city buildings. Places of historic heritage value are integral to our sense of nationhood and are an important visual and historical presence in the landscape. Iwi and hapu identity and cultural well-being are inseparable from whakapapa connections with places of historic heritage significance to Maori.
Government departments are the stewards of a large and significant portfolio of historic heritage, which they manage on behalf of the people of New Zealand. These properties illustrate aspects of past and continuing government activities, and New Zealand's social and economic development, culture and identity.
The government is committed to the promotion and protection of New Zealand's historic heritage and has established legislation and agencies for this purpose. It has ratified the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972). This policy is a further demonstration of the government's leadership role in historic heritage management. "
Scoop: Hunger strike protestors update
A long week is coming to an end for Fiona Gibson and Rob Cadmus. Since last Sunday night, they have been sitting 25 metres up a pine tree overlooking the West Coast, braving the winter weather, and eating nothing. The pair have been on hunger strike since to highlight the suffering that global climate change causes around the world. Coal burning heavily contributes to climate change. New Zealand has signed the Kyoto protocol, and yet we are not taking our responsibility seriously. Coal just shouldnt be an option as an energy source. said Fiona. What we are doing may seem extreme - it is a shame that disgusting ongoing pollution of a beautiful river doesnt make the news, but people starving themselves does. she added. "
A long week is coming to an end for Fiona Gibson and Rob Cadmus. Since last Sunday night, they have been sitting 25 metres up a pine tree overlooking the West Coast, braving the winter weather, and eating nothing. The pair have been on hunger strike since to highlight the suffering that global climate change causes around the world. Coal burning heavily contributes to climate change. New Zealand has signed the Kyoto protocol, and yet we are not taking our responsibility seriously. Coal just shouldnt be an option as an energy source. said Fiona. What we are doing may seem extreme - it is a shame that disgusting ongoing pollution of a beautiful river doesnt make the news, but people starving themselves does. she added. "
Talking about nuclear power won’t kill us
By Sean Kennedy
The disasters at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union and Three Mile Island in the United States are chilling reminders that nuclear power carries greater risks than any other form of energy generation.
Meltdowns are a constant worry. Nuclear plants are a potential terrorist target. Disposal of waste is an environmental nightmare.
That said, we should be prepared to debate the issue. Not because I want nuclear power – I don’t – but because nobody has the right to rule a topic off limits – not the Greens and not the Prime Minister Helen Clark.
If we have to set up coal- or gas-fired plants using the latest anti-technology to “scrub” emissions and avoid the sulphurous discharges that can be seen in the Third World, let’s do it. If the choices are crippling our economy or sticking with the Kyoto Protocol, let’s dump the protocol.
By Sean Kennedy
The disasters at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union and Three Mile Island in the United States are chilling reminders that nuclear power carries greater risks than any other form of energy generation.
Meltdowns are a constant worry. Nuclear plants are a potential terrorist target. Disposal of waste is an environmental nightmare.
That said, we should be prepared to debate the issue. Not because I want nuclear power – I don’t – but because nobody has the right to rule a topic off limits – not the Greens and not the Prime Minister Helen Clark.
If we have to set up coal- or gas-fired plants using the latest anti-technology to “scrub” emissions and avoid the sulphurous discharges that can be seen in the Third World, let’s do it. If the choices are crippling our economy or sticking with the Kyoto Protocol, let’s dump the protocol.
Natural Resource Accounts : Energy Natural Resource Accounts
New NZ Statisics Accounts
The Energy Accounts show the stock of New Zealand's energy resources, how much energy is generated annually (by type of energy), and how that energy is utilised throughout the economy. The accounts also show carbon dioxide emissions that result from energy use.
The energy stock account measures the annual stock of energy resources and is presented in physical units (petajoules) and monetary units. The physical stock account provides estimates of the New Zealand stocks of coal, oil and gas. For conceptual and practical reasons, hydro power stocks are not currently measured in the stock account, although this decision may be reviewed in future. Energy Monetary Stock Accounts, which will soon be available on the web, include asset valuations of both renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
New NZ Statisics Accounts
The Energy Accounts show the stock of New Zealand's energy resources, how much energy is generated annually (by type of energy), and how that energy is utilised throughout the economy. The accounts also show carbon dioxide emissions that result from energy use.
The energy stock account measures the annual stock of energy resources and is presented in physical units (petajoules) and monetary units. The physical stock account provides estimates of the New Zealand stocks of coal, oil and gas. For conceptual and practical reasons, hydro power stocks are not currently measured in the stock account, although this decision may be reviewed in future. Energy Monetary Stock Accounts, which will soon be available on the web, include asset valuations of both renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
