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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Australia judge orders climate considerations in coal mine consent
In Australia a Victorian judge ordered on Friday that a planning panel consider greenhouse gas pollution issues before it approves a power station's proposal to extend its coal mining operation.
Environmentalists who took the case to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT) claimed it as a victory and as setting a precedent for planning authorities nationwide.
In his ruling, Justice Stuart Morris also found the state's Planning Minister Mary Delahunty was wrong in directing the panel to ignore greenhouse gas emissions as an issue, News Interactive reports.
The Hazelwood power station, near Morwell in the state's south-east, wants to develop another coal field so it can continue generating electricity until 2031. A planning panel has been considering the environmental effects of extending Hazelwood's coal mining operation, which would include diverting the Morwell River and rerouting a nearby highway. Ms Delahunty also set terms of reference for the panel, ordering that it did not need to consider the greenhouse gas emissions from the power station because the issue would be dealt with by another planning process. "
In Australia a Victorian judge ordered on Friday that a planning panel consider greenhouse gas pollution issues before it approves a power station's proposal to extend its coal mining operation.
Environmentalists who took the case to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT) claimed it as a victory and as setting a precedent for planning authorities nationwide.
In his ruling, Justice Stuart Morris also found the state's Planning Minister Mary Delahunty was wrong in directing the panel to ignore greenhouse gas emissions as an issue, News Interactive reports.
The Hazelwood power station, near Morwell in the state's south-east, wants to develop another coal field so it can continue generating electricity until 2031. A planning panel has been considering the environmental effects of extending Hazelwood's coal mining operation, which would include diverting the Morwell River and rerouting a nearby highway. Ms Delahunty also set terms of reference for the panel, ordering that it did not need to consider the greenhouse gas emissions from the power station because the issue would be dealt with by another planning process. "
Study finds ways to cut greenhouse gas
Lincoln researchers have found that farmers can cut back powerful greenhouse gas emissions of nitrous oxide by turning over the soil less.
As well as reducing nitrous oxide emissions, crop yields of winter forage can increase with direct drilling, according to a study by Crop & Food Research.
Nitrous oxide is one of New Zealand's major contributors to greenhouse gas, forming about 16 per cent of all emissions from human activities, including farming.
Just about all the nitrous oxide emissions are from agriculture and mostly from animal grazing. "
Lincoln researchers have found that farmers can cut back powerful greenhouse gas emissions of nitrous oxide by turning over the soil less.
As well as reducing nitrous oxide emissions, crop yields of winter forage can increase with direct drilling, according to a study by Crop & Food Research.
Nitrous oxide is one of New Zealand's major contributors to greenhouse gas, forming about 16 per cent of all emissions from human activities, including farming.
Just about all the nitrous oxide emissions are from agriculture and mostly from animal grazing. "
Biomass-fuelled heat plant a win-win-win solution
State Owned Enterprises Minister and Taupo MP Mark Burton is today calling the new Winstone Pulp International/Meridian Solutions biomass-fuelled heat plant a “win-win-win solution.”
The plant is fuelled by waste product and has the potential to save four million litres of LPG per year. In addition, Winstone Pulp International has introduced a new pulp screening process that allows them to save power equivalent to the consumption of a medium-sized New Zealand town.
State Owned Enterprises Minister and Taupo MP Mark Burton is today calling the new Winstone Pulp International/Meridian Solutions biomass-fuelled heat plant a “win-win-win solution.”
The plant is fuelled by waste product and has the potential to save four million litres of LPG per year. In addition, Winstone Pulp International has introduced a new pulp screening process that allows them to save power equivalent to the consumption of a medium-sized New Zealand town.
Wind farm nears completion
The building teams at Te Apiti wind farm have been able to 'top off' the last of the field's 55 turbines.
This ends a six-month building phase, started with the April arrival of the turbine and a giant 400-tonne mobile crane. "
The building teams at Te Apiti wind farm have been able to 'top off' the last of the field's 55 turbines.
This ends a six-month building phase, started with the April arrival of the turbine and a giant 400-tonne mobile crane. "
No lower Clutha dams - Hodgson
Dams on the lower Clutha River are not envisaged by Energy Minister Pete Hodgson as part of New Zealand's future electricity generation.
However, there might be a place for a Project Aqua-type power scheme.
'There's no way people are going to build dams on the lower Clutha. They're just not going to be cost effective,' Mr Hodgson said yesterday.
'Run-of-the-river or canal schemes could form part of the mix in the future. Some will be small; some will be big. Whether that involves Aqua or not . . . remains to be seen.' "
Dams on the lower Clutha River are not envisaged by Energy Minister Pete Hodgson as part of New Zealand's future electricity generation.
However, there might be a place for a Project Aqua-type power scheme.
'There's no way people are going to build dams on the lower Clutha. They're just not going to be cost effective,' Mr Hodgson said yesterday.
'Run-of-the-river or canal schemes could form part of the mix in the future. Some will be small; some will be big. Whether that involves Aqua or not . . . remains to be seen.' "
Sustainable Energy Forum: Conferences:
Conference 2004 'Sustainable Energy Futures - Think BIG or Think SMART?'
Dates: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th November 2004
Venue: Rutherford House Campus, Victoria University, Bunny Street, Wellington.
Jointly organised by SEF, Energy Management Association of NZ and Climate Defence Network NZ, to promote sustainable energy and climate friendly policies and practices in New Zealand.
Program highlights:
Key note paper: 'Making markets work for distributed energy resources' - Hugh Outhred, Director, Centre for Energy & Environmental Markets, UNSW, Australia.
Public Lecture: 'Understanding the Energy Efficiency Resource Base' - Alan Pears, Adjunct Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia."
Conference 2004 'Sustainable Energy Futures - Think BIG or Think SMART?'
Dates: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th November 2004
Venue: Rutherford House Campus, Victoria University, Bunny Street, Wellington.
Jointly organised by SEF, Energy Management Association of NZ and Climate Defence Network NZ, to promote sustainable energy and climate friendly policies and practices in New Zealand.
Program highlights:
Key note paper: 'Making markets work for distributed energy resources' - Hugh Outhred, Director, Centre for Energy & Environmental Markets, UNSW, Australia.
Public Lecture: 'Understanding the Energy Efficiency Resource Base' - Alan Pears, Adjunct Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia."
Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Energy: Creating a Sustainable Energy System for New Zealand [2057KB PDF] MED discussion paper.
Sustainable Energy: Creating a Sustainable Energy System for New Zealand [2057KB PDF] MED discussion paper.
Hodgson's Kyoto cheque set to bounce
Two years ago, when the Government was selling the proposition that New Zealand should ratify the international climate change treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, it argued that it was in our interests - long and short term.
In the long term, it said, global warming represented a threat to the mild and equable climate on which our prosperity, such as it is, rests.
As a good international citizen, New Zealand should not free-ride but play its part in combating that threat. Also, if the world was going to move to a carbon-constrained future in which the right to emit greenhouse gases was rationed, the sooner we began that economic transition the better.
Besides, it said, in the short term forest sinks would more than cover the likely increase in our emissions of greenhouse gases, leaving a surplus of carbon credits to sell on the international market.
Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson said not to ratify would be to set fire to a very large cheque. "
Two years ago, when the Government was selling the proposition that New Zealand should ratify the international climate change treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, it argued that it was in our interests - long and short term.
In the long term, it said, global warming represented a threat to the mild and equable climate on which our prosperity, such as it is, rests.
As a good international citizen, New Zealand should not free-ride but play its part in combating that threat. Also, if the world was going to move to a carbon-constrained future in which the right to emit greenhouse gases was rationed, the sooner we began that economic transition the better.
Besides, it said, in the short term forest sinks would more than cover the likely increase in our emissions of greenhouse gases, leaving a surplus of carbon credits to sell on the international market.
Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson said not to ratify would be to set fire to a very large cheque. "
Russian Ratification of Kyoto a big step for NZ
The Chairman of the Environmental Defence Society, Gary Taylor, has welcomed the announcement today that the Russian Duma has decided to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
The announcement means that once the upper house confirms the action, the instrument of ratification will be deposited with the United Nations and 90 days later the Kyoto Protocol will come into force. The Protocol sets binding emission targets for developed nations and Russian ratification triggers the thresholds by which it comes into force."
The Chairman of the Environmental Defence Society, Gary Taylor, has welcomed the announcement today that the Russian Duma has decided to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
The announcement means that once the upper house confirms the action, the instrument of ratification will be deposited with the United Nations and 90 days later the Kyoto Protocol will come into force. The Protocol sets binding emission targets for developed nations and Russian ratification triggers the thresholds by which it comes into force."
Hodgson welcomes latest Kyoto move
The latest steps by the Russian government towards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol were today welcomed by Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
'This latest step makes the Protocol's coming into force a near certainty,' says Pete Hodgson. 'Uncertainty for New Zealand business has now evaporated. They can be sure that energy efficiency investments will now generate a greater return. They can also be sure that the significant business opportunities that the Kyoto Protocol brings will now come to pass. In particular, New Zealand businesses will have opportunities that are unavailable to companies from non-ratifying nations.' "
The latest steps by the Russian government towards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol were today welcomed by Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.
'This latest step makes the Protocol's coming into force a near certainty,' says Pete Hodgson. 'Uncertainty for New Zealand business has now evaporated. They can be sure that energy efficiency investments will now generate a greater return. They can also be sure that the significant business opportunities that the Kyoto Protocol brings will now come to pass. In particular, New Zealand businesses will have opportunities that are unavailable to companies from non-ratifying nations.' "
Warming world makes N-power look good again
The worst possible nuclear disasters are not as bad as the worst possible climate change disasters, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Britain declared recently.
It urged 'a modest revival of nuclear energy ... to sell the idea to the sceptics'.
And while Europeans and North Americans are still reluctant to build new nuclear power stations, recalling the disasters at Chernobyl and Three-Mile Island around 20 years ago, Asians have no scepticism.
China plans to build two large nuclear reactors a year for the next sixteen years. "
The worst possible nuclear disasters are not as bad as the worst possible climate change disasters, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Britain declared recently.
It urged 'a modest revival of nuclear energy ... to sell the idea to the sceptics'.
And while Europeans and North Americans are still reluctant to build new nuclear power stations, recalling the disasters at Chernobyl and Three-Mile Island around 20 years ago, Asians have no scepticism.
China plans to build two large nuclear reactors a year for the next sixteen years. "
Safeswim
Safeswim - Auckland City, North Shore City and Rodney District Beach Water Quality
2004/05 reporting has started.
Safeswim - Auckland City, North Shore City and Rodney District Beach Water Quality
2004/05 reporting has started.
Ethanol and cooking fats can keep motors running
It appears that oil prices are maintaining a level above $US53 a barrel and may still be trending upwards. Early this year the price was around $30 a barrel.
The full impact of the latest round of price rises has not yet been felt at petrol stations or in our balance of payments in the same way as during the oil shocks of 1973 to 75 and 1978 to 80, when fuel-saving measures included carless days and reduced speed limits.
Also, Russia has has declared its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, under which developed countries limit greenhouse gas emissions, believed to be the cause of global warming and climate change.
If the agreement comes into effect, New Zealand will be committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions down to 1990 levels over the five years from 2008 to 2012. These emissions have risen by more than 40 per cent since 1990, whereas our emissions of other greenhouse gases have remained relatively constant.
We have a cushion of carbon sink credits from forests which may cover a shortfall in meeting the Kyoto commitment during the first five years. But if the agreement continues beyond 2012, we will have a severe shortfall of such credits to cover the situation - and a major cost implication in buying such credits on an international market.
In the longer term of several decades, the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel may help overcome many of the problems. There is, however, a more immediate solution readily at hand - the rapid uptake of renewable fuels, especially ethanol and biodiesel.
It appears that oil prices are maintaining a level above $US53 a barrel and may still be trending upwards. Early this year the price was around $30 a barrel.
The full impact of the latest round of price rises has not yet been felt at petrol stations or in our balance of payments in the same way as during the oil shocks of 1973 to 75 and 1978 to 80, when fuel-saving measures included carless days and reduced speed limits.
Also, Russia has has declared its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, under which developed countries limit greenhouse gas emissions, believed to be the cause of global warming and climate change.
If the agreement comes into effect, New Zealand will be committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions down to 1990 levels over the five years from 2008 to 2012. These emissions have risen by more than 40 per cent since 1990, whereas our emissions of other greenhouse gases have remained relatively constant.
We have a cushion of carbon sink credits from forests which may cover a shortfall in meeting the Kyoto commitment during the first five years. But if the agreement continues beyond 2012, we will have a severe shortfall of such credits to cover the situation - and a major cost implication in buying such credits on an international market.
In the longer term of several decades, the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel may help overcome many of the problems. There is, however, a more immediate solution readily at hand - the rapid uptake of renewable fuels, especially ethanol and biodiesel.
Ethanol and cooking fats can keep motors running
It appears that oil prices are maintaining a level above $US53 a barrel and may still be trending upwards. Early this year the price was around $30 a barrel.
The full impact of the latest round of price rises has not yet been felt at petrol stations or in our balance of payments in the same way as during the oil shocks of 1973 to 75 and 1978 to 80, when fuel-saving measures included carless days and reduced speed limits.
Also, Russia has has declared its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, under which developed countries limit greenhouse gas emissions, believed to be the cause of global warming and climate change.
If the agreement comes into effect, New Zealand will be committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions down to 1990 levels over the five years from 2008 to 2012. These emissions have risen by more than 40 per cent since 1990, whereas our emissions of other greenhouse gases have remained relatively constant.
We have a cushion of carbon sink credits from forests which may cover a shortfall in meeting the Kyoto commitment during the first five years. But if the agreement continues beyond 2012, we will have a severe shortfall of such credits to cover the situation - and a major cost implication in buying such credits on an international market.
In the longer term of several decades, the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel may help overcome many of the problems. There is, however, a more immediate solution readily at hand - the rapid uptake of renewable fuels, especially ethanol and biodiesel.
It appears that oil prices are maintaining a level above $US53 a barrel and may still be trending upwards. Early this year the price was around $30 a barrel.
The full impact of the latest round of price rises has not yet been felt at petrol stations or in our balance of payments in the same way as during the oil shocks of 1973 to 75 and 1978 to 80, when fuel-saving measures included carless days and reduced speed limits.
Also, Russia has has declared its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, under which developed countries limit greenhouse gas emissions, believed to be the cause of global warming and climate change.
If the agreement comes into effect, New Zealand will be committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions down to 1990 levels over the five years from 2008 to 2012. These emissions have risen by more than 40 per cent since 1990, whereas our emissions of other greenhouse gases have remained relatively constant.
We have a cushion of carbon sink credits from forests which may cover a shortfall in meeting the Kyoto commitment during the first five years. But if the agreement continues beyond 2012, we will have a severe shortfall of such credits to cover the situation - and a major cost implication in buying such credits on an international market.
In the longer term of several decades, the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel may help overcome many of the problems. There is, however, a more immediate solution readily at hand - the rapid uptake of renewable fuels, especially ethanol and biodiesel.
National’s Climate Change Policy – A Commentary
Word download 76 K
"Our largest emission source is ruminant methane. Extraordinarily the policy has nothing to offer in this.
Our major fossil fuel use in is transport. The policy offers nothing on that.
The National policy says more about what it opposes than what it supports.
It has some good elements, but is not strategic in respect of protecting New Zealand’s national position into future commitment periods.
Word download 76 K
"Our largest emission source is ruminant methane. Extraordinarily the policy has nothing to offer in this.
Our major fossil fuel use in is transport. The policy offers nothing on that.
The National policy says more about what it opposes than what it supports.
It has some good elements, but is not strategic in respect of protecting New Zealand’s national position into future commitment periods.
Australia could be eco-superpower
AUSTRALIA could become a 'sustainability superpower' in the emerging market for ecological services.
That was the message at the launch in Sydney this week of the world's first online centre for the emerging trade in ecological services. The new push is to find market fixes for environmental problems.
'In addition to its ability to generate wind and solar power, Australia has vast areas that could be restored back to forests and in turn generate carbon, salinity and biodiversity credits for sale in emerging environmental markets,' said Michael Jenkins of Forest Trends, a Washington-based non-government organisation. "
AUSTRALIA could become a 'sustainability superpower' in the emerging market for ecological services.
That was the message at the launch in Sydney this week of the world's first online centre for the emerging trade in ecological services. The new push is to find market fixes for environmental problems.
'In addition to its ability to generate wind and solar power, Australia has vast areas that could be restored back to forests and in turn generate carbon, salinity and biodiversity credits for sale in emerging environmental markets,' said Michael Jenkins of Forest Trends, a Washington-based non-government organisation. "
Genesis Energy e3p OIA Release - 14 October 2004 - The Treasury
Documents relating to the risk-sharing agreement between the Government and Genesis Energy"
Documents relating to the risk-sharing agreement between the Government and Genesis Energy"
Government Policy Statement on Electricity Governance: Draft
"Policy Objectives for the Electricity Commission- Subject to Passage of the Electricity and Gas Industries Bill 2003 -
1. The Government has amended the Electricity Act 1992 to set the following principal objectives for the Electricity Commission:
ensure that electricity is produced and delivered to all classes of consumers in an efficient, fair, reliable, and environmentally sustainable manner and
promote and facilitate the efficient use of electricity. "
"Policy Objectives for the Electricity Commission- Subject to Passage of the Electricity and Gas Industries Bill 2003 -
1. The Government has amended the Electricity Act 1992 to set the following principal objectives for the Electricity Commission:
ensure that electricity is produced and delivered to all classes of consumers in an efficient, fair, reliable, and environmentally sustainable manner and
promote and facilitate the efficient use of electricity. "
Brash set to oppose lake bed deal
Don Brash has been accused of 'scaremongering' ahead of a National Party campaign starting today likely to oppose handing 13 lakebeds back to Rotorua iwi Te Arawa.
Dr Brash and his deputy leader, Gerry Brownlee, will in Rotorua this morning outline National's policy on the Te Arawa lakes deal.
They will then question the Government in Parliament this week on whether its lakebed negotiations with Te Arawa include airspace and water rights. "
Don Brash has been accused of 'scaremongering' ahead of a National Party campaign starting today likely to oppose handing 13 lakebeds back to Rotorua iwi Te Arawa.
Dr Brash and his deputy leader, Gerry Brownlee, will in Rotorua this morning outline National's policy on the Te Arawa lakes deal.
They will then question the Government in Parliament this week on whether its lakebed negotiations with Te Arawa include airspace and water rights. "
Kyoto's effects are coming to an emitter near you
By VERNON SMALL
For something designed to save the planet you could be excused at times for thinking that the Kyoto protocol was the biggest threat to life on earth as we know it.
In fact it is neither. Costs to business should, at least in the early stages, be small. And the effect on overall greenhouse gas levels will be minimal, though it is a crucially important model for future moves to cut emissions.
It does open new challenges and opportunities for businesses while there are still a couple of significant policy issues the Government is yet to address; more on those later.
But ready or not, Kyoto's effects are coming to a carbon-equivalent emitter near you after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the nod last week to join the climate change agreement. It is yet to be endorsed by the Russian parliament but that hurdle should be crossed in the next few weeks. The protocol will then have the 55 per cent sign-up needed and will come into force 90 days later."
By VERNON SMALL
For something designed to save the planet you could be excused at times for thinking that the Kyoto protocol was the biggest threat to life on earth as we know it.
In fact it is neither. Costs to business should, at least in the early stages, be small. And the effect on overall greenhouse gas levels will be minimal, though it is a crucially important model for future moves to cut emissions.
It does open new challenges and opportunities for businesses while there are still a couple of significant policy issues the Government is yet to address; more on those later.
But ready or not, Kyoto's effects are coming to a carbon-equivalent emitter near you after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the nod last week to join the climate change agreement. It is yet to be endorsed by the Russian parliament but that hurdle should be crossed in the next few weeks. The protocol will then have the 55 per cent sign-up needed and will come into force 90 days later."
NZ Government consults on synthetic greenhouse gases
New Zealand's Government is to consult on ways to reduce synthetic greenhouse gas emissions with the launch of a discussion paper.
The discussion paper covers a wide range of policy options for reducing synthetic greenhouse gases from voluntary controls to regulation, the Government said in a media statement."
New Zealand's Government is to consult on ways to reduce synthetic greenhouse gas emissions with the launch of a discussion paper.
The discussion paper covers a wide range of policy options for reducing synthetic greenhouse gases from voluntary controls to regulation, the Government said in a media statement."
Pipi shell may lead to ancient village site
A pipi shell midden at Karamea may conceal an early Polynesian village occupied for at least a century about 700 years ago, according to an initial finding by archaeologists.
'We believe the midden may be part of a site that is several hectares in size - it's a big site, a very big site,' Otago University archaeology senior lecturer Richard Walter said yesterday.
The site, on the edge of Karamea township and the Karamea River estuary, 100km north of Westport, is under pasture and was an exciting find because of its age.
It suggested the coast had more people early in the history of New Zealand's settlement than first thought. "
A pipi shell midden at Karamea may conceal an early Polynesian village occupied for at least a century about 700 years ago, according to an initial finding by archaeologists.
'We believe the midden may be part of a site that is several hectares in size - it's a big site, a very big site,' Otago University archaeology senior lecturer Richard Walter said yesterday.
The site, on the edge of Karamea township and the Karamea River estuary, 100km north of Westport, is under pasture and was an exciting find because of its age.
It suggested the coast had more people early in the history of New Zealand's settlement than first thought. "
Hodgson clears National's climate change confusion
National MP Brian Connell's latest sadly confused statement on the Kyoto Protocol is another example of his bizarre anti-business rhetoric. His formula is to talk up problems that don't exist and then say they'll scare off business.
To set the record straight, the government's climate change policies include:
Foundation policies such as the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation strategy; now in its third year, the New Zealand Transport Strategy, and the New Zealand Waste Strategy. These polices will help reduce emissions and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."
National MP Brian Connell's latest sadly confused statement on the Kyoto Protocol is another example of his bizarre anti-business rhetoric. His formula is to talk up problems that don't exist and then say they'll scare off business.
To set the record straight, the government's climate change policies include:
Foundation policies such as the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation strategy; now in its third year, the New Zealand Transport Strategy, and the New Zealand Waste Strategy. These polices will help reduce emissions and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."
EDS Fossil of the Month Award
Awarded for low awareness of climate change issues)
Air New Zealand - for its piece on the effect of the Carbon Charge on its business. A blatant attempt to get a competitive advantage over its domestic rivals.
Awarded for low awareness of climate change issues)
Air New Zealand - for its piece on the effect of the Carbon Charge on its business. A blatant attempt to get a competitive advantage over its domestic rivals.
Brian Connell: Carbon Tax
Everyone knows we need to cut greenhouse emissions. But its not generally accepted that signing the Kyoto Protocol will allow New Zealand to honour our commitments and still remain economically competitive.
Kyoto will potentially lift electricity costs by 9% and petrol costs by 6%. It could send thousands of our businesses overseas and turn foreign investment into a dim and distant memory. Bottom line is simple: it will cost us big time and it won?t help the environment one iota."
Everyone knows we need to cut greenhouse emissions. But its not generally accepted that signing the Kyoto Protocol will allow New Zealand to honour our commitments and still remain economically competitive.
Kyoto will potentially lift electricity costs by 9% and petrol costs by 6%. It could send thousands of our businesses overseas and turn foreign investment into a dim and distant memory. Bottom line is simple: it will cost us big time and it won?t help the environment one iota."
Scoop: Antarctic ozone hole smaller this year
The ozone hole over Antarctica appears to be about 20% smaller than last year's record-breaking ozone hole.
Measurements by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), supported by Antarctica New Zealand, at Scott Base, Antarctica, are consistent with NASA satellite data showing the area of the hole peaked at about 24 million square kilometres, compared to 29 million square kilometres in 2003.
The ozone hole over Antarctica appears to be about 20% smaller than last year's record-breaking ozone hole.
Measurements by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), supported by Antarctica New Zealand, at Scott Base, Antarctica, are consistent with NASA satellite data showing the area of the hole peaked at about 24 million square kilometres, compared to 29 million square kilometres in 2003.
Mounting energy costs likely
Businesses are almost certain to face higher energy costs arising from the Kyoto climate change treaty, now that the Russian Government has decided to approve it.
Uncertainty about whether the Kyoto Protocol would come into force, and therefore whether there would be a carbon tax, has overhung business planning and especially investment in electricity generation for a couple of years.
Ratification by Russia is necessary for the protocol to come into force. Although it still has to be passed by the Russian Parliament, that body is not expected to defy President Vladimir Putin on this question.
Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson said yesterday that he expected to introduce legislation for a carbon tax before the next election, due late next year.
The tax, levied on the carbon content of fossil fuels, would not come into effect before April 1, 2007. "
Businesses are almost certain to face higher energy costs arising from the Kyoto climate change treaty, now that the Russian Government has decided to approve it.
Uncertainty about whether the Kyoto Protocol would come into force, and therefore whether there would be a carbon tax, has overhung business planning and especially investment in electricity generation for a couple of years.
Ratification by Russia is necessary for the protocol to come into force. Although it still has to be passed by the Russian Parliament, that body is not expected to defy President Vladimir Putin on this question.
Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson said yesterday that he expected to introduce legislation for a carbon tax before the next election, due late next year.
The tax, levied on the carbon content of fossil fuels, would not come into effect before April 1, 2007. "
National remain confused on Kyoto
National remain confused on Kyoto and have once again failed to tell the truth about this government's responsible approach to tackling climate change, says Pete Hodgson.
Contrary to Nick Smith's statement, this government:
? Will protect the international competitiveness of businesses that might otherwise be at risk, by exempting them from any carbon charge through Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements, and not charge farmers for agricultural emissions of methane and nitrous oxide. National advocates charging all emitters and makes no mention of protecting farmers or any other business.
? Recycle all money raised through a carbon charge back into the economy, meaning there will be no net fiscal benefit to the Crown. "
National remain confused on Kyoto and have once again failed to tell the truth about this government's responsible approach to tackling climate change, says Pete Hodgson.
Contrary to Nick Smith's statement, this government:
? Will protect the international competitiveness of businesses that might otherwise be at risk, by exempting them from any carbon charge through Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements, and not charge farmers for agricultural emissions of methane and nitrous oxide. National advocates charging all emitters and makes no mention of protecting farmers or any other business.
? Recycle all money raised through a carbon charge back into the economy, meaning there will be no net fiscal benefit to the Crown. "
Time for Govt to come clean on Kyoto costs
National's Environment spokesman Dr Nick Smith says it is time the Government came clean on how much their ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will cost New Zealand.
Today, the Russian Government approved the Protocol, and once it has passed through the Russian Parliament, it will bring the agreement into legal effect internationally. But Labour has yet to announce the level of carbon tax it intends to impose in 2007."
National's Environment spokesman Dr Nick Smith says it is time the Government came clean on how much their ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will cost New Zealand.
Today, the Russian Government approved the Protocol, and once it has passed through the Russian Parliament, it will bring the agreement into legal effect internationally. But Labour has yet to announce the level of carbon tax it intends to impose in 2007."
