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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
National's U-turn on Kyoto slammed
National's pledge to pull New Zealand out of the Kyoto Protocol if it were in power has been described as 'deplorable' by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
For Morgan Williams climate change is the biggest challenge on the planet.
National's policy is to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol from 2013 if New Zealand makes commitments to reduce emissions beyond those binding trading partners like Australia and the United States. "
National's pledge to pull New Zealand out of the Kyoto Protocol if it were in power has been described as 'deplorable' by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
For Morgan Williams climate change is the biggest challenge on the planet.
National's policy is to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol from 2013 if New Zealand makes commitments to reduce emissions beyond those binding trading partners like Australia and the United States. "
How the world is changing
Argentina's Upsala Glacier was once the biggest in South America, but it is now disappearing at a rate of 200 metres per year. 1928 and 2004 pictures.
Argentina's Upsala Glacier was once the biggest in South America, but it is now disappearing at a rate of 200 metres per year. 1928 and 2004 pictures.
EU pushes binding climate deal
The EU plans to pursue legally binding restrictions
The European Union says it will push for legally binding global restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.
A spokeswoman's comments came after the announcement of a voluntary pact, based on new technology, between the US and five Asia-Pacific states.
She also told BBC News that the new pact was unlikely to bring a significant reduction in emissions.
The EU's intention to pursue further legally binding reductions could lead to political disputes later this year. "
The EU plans to pursue legally binding restrictions
The European Union says it will push for legally binding global restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.
A spokeswoman's comments came after the announcement of a voluntary pact, based on new technology, between the US and five Asia-Pacific states.
She also told BBC News that the new pact was unlikely to bring a significant reduction in emissions.
The EU's intention to pursue further legally binding reductions could lead to political disputes later this year. "
Pact halves emissions by the next century
Clean energy projects aimed at halving greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the century will be financed as part of an international agreement signed by Australia yesterday.
The American-led partnership is a challenge to the Kyoto Protocol, promising co-operation with developing countries and increased use of new technologies to reduce global warming."
Comment: The SMH takes on a rosy glow from somewhere - but not from the pact - it says nothing about a target, or financing.
Clean energy projects aimed at halving greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the century will be financed as part of an international agreement signed by Australia yesterday.
The American-led partnership is a challenge to the Kyoto Protocol, promising co-operation with developing countries and increased use of new technologies to reduce global warming."
Comment: The SMH takes on a rosy glow from somewhere - but not from the pact - it says nothing about a target, or financing.
Future currents: Electricity scenarios for New Zealand 2005-2050 [Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment]
Future currents sketches two scenarios of New Zealand in 2015, 2030 and 2050 depending on today's energy choices. These scenarios are presented through the eyes of two fictional characters.
Fuelling the future, the first scenario, is strongly shaped by established ways of thinking. Building big power projects is seen as the key to a secure electricity supply.
The second scenario, Sparking new designs, sees huge potential in getting 'more from less' by re-thinking how we use electricity and other forms of energy. Businesses, communities and individuals are strongly encouraged to be innovative both in energy efficiency and in using more localised energy sources.
Despite the use of fictional characters and scenarios, Future Currents is underpinned by rigorous research and is accompanied by a 42-page technical report.
Future currents sketches two scenarios of New Zealand in 2015, 2030 and 2050 depending on today's energy choices. These scenarios are presented through the eyes of two fictional characters.
Fuelling the future, the first scenario, is strongly shaped by established ways of thinking. Building big power projects is seen as the key to a secure electricity supply.
The second scenario, Sparking new designs, sees huge potential in getting 'more from less' by re-thinking how we use electricity and other forms of energy. Businesses, communities and individuals are strongly encouraged to be innovative both in energy efficiency and in using more localised energy sources.
Despite the use of fictional characters and scenarios, Future Currents is underpinned by rigorous research and is accompanied by a 42-page technical report.
Australian govt under fire over secret greenhouse pact
The Australian government has come under fire for reportedly agreeing to a secret pact on greenhouse emissions with the United States, China, India and South Korea.
Greenpeace said that by signing the pact, Australia was undermining the global Kyoto Protocol, while Labor leader Kim Beazley said the government should immediately sign the Kyoto Protocol.
The Australian newspaper today revealed the secret pact, which would bring together nations that account for more than 40 per cent of the world's greenhouse emissions, saying it would be known as the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate.
Asked what was wrong with the new pact, Mr Beazley said: "It is nothing. It's spin."
The Australian government has come under fire for reportedly agreeing to a secret pact on greenhouse emissions with the United States, China, India and South Korea.
Greenpeace said that by signing the pact, Australia was undermining the global Kyoto Protocol, while Labor leader Kim Beazley said the government should immediately sign the Kyoto Protocol.
The Australian newspaper today revealed the secret pact, which would bring together nations that account for more than 40 per cent of the world's greenhouse emissions, saying it would be known as the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate.
Asked what was wrong with the new pact, Mr Beazley said: "It is nothing. It's spin."
Overhaul of local government red tape promised
Maori seats and the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system will be abolished for councils under National's local government policy announced by leader Don Brash yesterday.
Under a series of reforms, Dr Brash said a National Government would return to a first-past-the-post system at the local level, scrap compulsory microchipping of dogs, and review key laws such as the Building Act and Resource Management Act. "
Dr Brash promised an overhaul of local government red tape, saying Labour's local government, dog control, Treaty of Waitangi, climate change, STV voting system, prostitution, building and resource management laws had dumped extra responsibilities on councils and added hundreds of millions of dollars to the rates bill.
Comment Climate change? Taking GHG considerations out of the RMA has taken responsibility and cost away from local government.
Maori seats and the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system will be abolished for councils under National's local government policy announced by leader Don Brash yesterday.
Under a series of reforms, Dr Brash said a National Government would return to a first-past-the-post system at the local level, scrap compulsory microchipping of dogs, and review key laws such as the Building Act and Resource Management Act. "
Dr Brash promised an overhaul of local government red tape, saying Labour's local government, dog control, Treaty of Waitangi, climate change, STV voting system, prostitution, building and resource management laws had dumped extra responsibilities on councils and added hundreds of millions of dollars to the rates bill.
Comment Climate change? Taking GHG considerations out of the RMA has taken responsibility and cost away from local government.
Rationing not the American way
It is ironic, in a way, that George W. Bush owns a ranch in Texas.
Go back far enough and that land would have been no one's property, part of the apparently boundless rangeland of the American west. An ocean of grass. Cattle heaven.
But we have long ago learned that to avoid what economists call the tragedy of the commons - such as the overgrazing of common land which lays waste the resource and leaves everyone impoverished - there comes a point where some form of rationing becomes necessary: boundaries, fences, registries, property rights and a market.
What divides the United States and its loyal sidekick, Australia, from the rest of the developed world is whether that time of rationing and regulation has come for the atmosphere. "
It is ironic, in a way, that George W. Bush owns a ranch in Texas.
Go back far enough and that land would have been no one's property, part of the apparently boundless rangeland of the American west. An ocean of grass. Cattle heaven.
But we have long ago learned that to avoid what economists call the tragedy of the commons - such as the overgrazing of common land which lays waste the resource and leaves everyone impoverished - there comes a point where some form of rationing becomes necessary: boundaries, fences, registries, property rights and a market.
What divides the United States and its loyal sidekick, Australia, from the rest of the developed world is whether that time of rationing and regulation has come for the atmosphere. "
Five to sign pact on climate
The United States, Australia, China, India and South Korea are likely to unveil later this week a regional pact to combat greenhouse gas emissions, an Australian Government official says.
The official confirmed a report in the Australian newspaper, which said the secretly negotiated pact to tackle climate change would be known as the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate. "
The United States, Australia, China, India and South Korea are likely to unveil later this week a regional pact to combat greenhouse gas emissions, an Australian Government official says.
The official confirmed a report in the Australian newspaper, which said the secretly negotiated pact to tackle climate change would be known as the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate. "
Latest national greenhouse emissions report
MED's Energy Information and Modelling Group has released the latest annual report on national greenhouse gas emissions from energy related activities and industrial processes.
Emissions from the energy sector relate primarily to the combustion of fuel (for example in vehicles) while industrial process emissions relate to emissions from chemical processes that occur during the production of various goods such as steel.
In relation to their impact on global warming, both types of emissions are dominated by carbon dioxide. Other gases covered are methane, nitrous oxide, other oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and non-methane volatile organic compounds.
Energy sector CO2 emissions are estimated to have declined by around 2% between 2003 and 2004 after 5 years of increase since 1998. The main factors contributing to this decline are:
A 14% decline in emissions from manufacturing industries (not including steel manufacture), mainly due to a large decline in coal use;
A 5% fall in emissions from thermal electricity generation after a ‘dry’ hydro year in 2003; and
Slower than usual growth in emissions from transport, which grew by 2.3% compared to an average annual increase of 3.6% over the 1990 – 2004 period.
Over the 1990 – 2004 period combined energy sector and industrial process CO2 emissions, which account for New Zealand’s total gross CO2 emissions, increased by 34% from 25 to 34 million tonnes.
MED's Energy Information and Modelling Group has released the latest annual report on national greenhouse gas emissions from energy related activities and industrial processes.
Emissions from the energy sector relate primarily to the combustion of fuel (for example in vehicles) while industrial process emissions relate to emissions from chemical processes that occur during the production of various goods such as steel.
In relation to their impact on global warming, both types of emissions are dominated by carbon dioxide. Other gases covered are methane, nitrous oxide, other oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and non-methane volatile organic compounds.
Energy sector CO2 emissions are estimated to have declined by around 2% between 2003 and 2004 after 5 years of increase since 1998. The main factors contributing to this decline are:
A 14% decline in emissions from manufacturing industries (not including steel manufacture), mainly due to a large decline in coal use;
A 5% fall in emissions from thermal electricity generation after a ‘dry’ hydro year in 2003; and
Slower than usual growth in emissions from transport, which grew by 2.3% compared to an average annual increase of 3.6% over the 1990 – 2004 period.
Over the 1990 – 2004 period combined energy sector and industrial process CO2 emissions, which account for New Zealand’s total gross CO2 emissions, increased by 34% from 25 to 34 million tonnes.
Australia's unique role in saving planet
Australia has a unique role to play in saving the planet from global warming, Environment Minister Ian Campbell says.
Senator Campbell said Australia had the opportunity to develop new technologies on fossil fuel emissions that could be exported to countries like China and India.
'We have 700 years, 500 to 700 years, of coal reserves in Australia; good clean coal in many parts of Australia that can be exported to the rest of the world,' Senator Campbell told ABC television on Tuesday night."
We can develop new technologies such as gasification of coal, low emission coal technologies, develop them here and export them to places like China and India.
"Then we can really have some breakthroughs on saving the climate."
He said the Australian government was investing $1.8 million into developing low emission technologies but admitted it was not enough.
Australia has a unique role to play in saving the planet from global warming, Environment Minister Ian Campbell says.
Senator Campbell said Australia had the opportunity to develop new technologies on fossil fuel emissions that could be exported to countries like China and India.
'We have 700 years, 500 to 700 years, of coal reserves in Australia; good clean coal in many parts of Australia that can be exported to the rest of the world,' Senator Campbell told ABC television on Tuesday night."
We can develop new technologies such as gasification of coal, low emission coal technologies, develop them here and export them to places like China and India.
"Then we can really have some breakthroughs on saving the climate."
He said the Australian government was investing $1.8 million into developing low emission technologies but admitted it was not enough.
Additionality and Rules
The additionality test for projects says they have to be things that would not have happened if there had been no additional funding from carbon credits. However if there are rules made through RMA plans or consents which require that the project happens anyway, the additionality test is not met.
A case in point is the recent RMA Environmental Standard which says all landfills with an ultimate capacity of over a million tonnes have to have landfill gas colleciton and burning systems. No new GHG project on these can now meet the additionality test. Does it matter? From NZ Inc point of view it doesn't, the national account shows benefit and it benefits the nation through the credits we have not then to buy. However on a local scale the opportunity to fund the project through sale of credits gained through the Projects scheme is lost.
Regional regulators might think on this before making rules or setting conditions in future - perhaps in some circumstances a delay in making a rule until the additionality test was met might be smart?
The additionality test for projects says they have to be things that would not have happened if there had been no additional funding from carbon credits. However if there are rules made through RMA plans or consents which require that the project happens anyway, the additionality test is not met.
A case in point is the recent RMA Environmental Standard which says all landfills with an ultimate capacity of over a million tonnes have to have landfill gas colleciton and burning systems. No new GHG project on these can now meet the additionality test. Does it matter? From NZ Inc point of view it doesn't, the national account shows benefit and it benefits the nation through the credits we have not then to buy. However on a local scale the opportunity to fund the project through sale of credits gained through the Projects scheme is lost.
Regional regulators might think on this before making rules or setting conditions in future - perhaps in some circumstances a delay in making a rule until the additionality test was met might be smart?
Plant trees, says Peters
Trees. Lots of them. A billion or so should do it.
That is NZ First's solution to rectifying a projected $500 million deficit under the Kyoto protocol for meeting the cost of greenhouse gas emissions.
Leader Winston Peters showed his green side yesterday, launching his party's 'sensible and practical' environmental policy in Russell.
He promised a plan he said would avoid the demands of the Kyoto protocol without striking another tax.
'Instead of tying ourselves to trees, we want to plant tens of millions more instead.'
He proposed planting at least 10 million native and exotic trees a year for the next 10 years. "
Trees. Lots of them. A billion or so should do it.
That is NZ First's solution to rectifying a projected $500 million deficit under the Kyoto protocol for meeting the cost of greenhouse gas emissions.
Leader Winston Peters showed his green side yesterday, launching his party's 'sensible and practical' environmental policy in Russell.
He promised a plan he said would avoid the demands of the Kyoto protocol without striking another tax.
'Instead of tying ourselves to trees, we want to plant tens of millions more instead.'
He proposed planting at least 10 million native and exotic trees a year for the next 10 years. "
CHH chairman calls for tax changes
Mr Maasland said there were few incentives under the Kyoto regime on global warming to encourage the replanting of forests..... "
Eh? - why should there be? - established rotation forests DO NOTHING for climate change. They are not carbon sinks. Mr Maasland surely understands this. Or is he just after an handout?
Mr Maasland said there were few incentives under the Kyoto regime on global warming to encourage the replanting of forests..... "
Eh? - why should there be? - established rotation forests DO NOTHING for climate change. They are not carbon sinks. Mr Maasland surely understands this. Or is he just after an handout?
New professor in Management Communication
Waikato Management School has a new professor.
She's Juliet Roper who is chair of the Department of Management Communication, the School's sustainability convener and principal investigator on two high profile research projects.
Commitment to sustainability by New Zealand organisations and their support of New Zealand's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is one of the major research projects Professor Roper leads. "
Waikato Management School has a new professor.
She's Juliet Roper who is chair of the Department of Management Communication, the School's sustainability convener and principal investigator on two high profile research projects.
Commitment to sustainability by New Zealand organisations and their support of New Zealand's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is one of the major research projects Professor Roper leads. "
More bushfires tipped as climate alters
Scientists are expecting more fires in rural areas as the climate changes over the next century.
A report says the increased fire risk will particularly affect Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson, and in the east of both islands from Gisborne to Wairarapa and Marlborough to Canterbury. The findings are included in a report to the Fire Service Commission by scientists at the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (Niwa), and Scion (formerly Forest Research).
Niwa climate scientist Jim Salinger said dangerous fire weather resulted from a combination of strong winds, high temperatures, low humidity and seasonal drought.
'These conditions are expected to increase with global warming and the associated climate change, and hence increase the number of days when very high and extreme forest fire danger occurs. This is likely to lead to an increase in the number and extent of rural fires,' Dr Salinger said. "
Scientists are expecting more fires in rural areas as the climate changes over the next century.
A report says the increased fire risk will particularly affect Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson, and in the east of both islands from Gisborne to Wairarapa and Marlborough to Canterbury. The findings are included in a report to the Fire Service Commission by scientists at the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (Niwa), and Scion (formerly Forest Research).
Niwa climate scientist Jim Salinger said dangerous fire weather resulted from a combination of strong winds, high temperatures, low humidity and seasonal drought.
'These conditions are expected to increase with global warming and the associated climate change, and hence increase the number of days when very high and extreme forest fire danger occurs. This is likely to lead to an increase in the number and extent of rural fires,' Dr Salinger said. "
G8 summit a missed opportunity
Not for the first time, and not by coincidence, a major international conference has been derailed by terrorism. The summit of the Group of Eight industrialised countries will forever be remembered for its conjunction with the bombing of London's public transport system. The wave of public expectation that accompanied the rich nations' leaders to Gleneagles dissipated to a murmur. And what many had hoped would be far-reaching responses to poverty and climate change metamorphosed into a show of defiance against the bombers. "
The message on climate change was much the same. A best-case scenario would highlight the United States' acknowledgment, in the communique, that global warming is a real phenomenon and that human activity contributes "in large part" to it. It would also mention the decision to conduct formal talks with developing countries such as India and China about reducing their carbon emissions.
But it is difficult to enthuse over the Bush Administration's belated recognition of the wisdom underpinning the Kyoto Protocol. Especially as the US ceded no other ground and, in fact, succeeded in diluting the communique. Its stand meant there would be no hint of emission targets or similar. The dialogue with developing countries could be a useful development, but only if there is a concerted follow-through and only if burgeoning industrial nations are of more of a mind than the US to listen.
Not for the first time, and not by coincidence, a major international conference has been derailed by terrorism. The summit of the Group of Eight industrialised countries will forever be remembered for its conjunction with the bombing of London's public transport system. The wave of public expectation that accompanied the rich nations' leaders to Gleneagles dissipated to a murmur. And what many had hoped would be far-reaching responses to poverty and climate change metamorphosed into a show of defiance against the bombers. "
The message on climate change was much the same. A best-case scenario would highlight the United States' acknowledgment, in the communique, that global warming is a real phenomenon and that human activity contributes "in large part" to it. It would also mention the decision to conduct formal talks with developing countries such as India and China about reducing their carbon emissions.
But it is difficult to enthuse over the Bush Administration's belated recognition of the wisdom underpinning the Kyoto Protocol. Especially as the US ceded no other ground and, in fact, succeeded in diluting the communique. Its stand meant there would be no hint of emission targets or similar. The dialogue with developing countries could be a useful development, but only if there is a concerted follow-through and only if burgeoning industrial nations are of more of a mind than the US to listen.
Industrialists say carbon tax unfair
A group of industrialists wants the government to go back to the drawing board on climate change policies.
A submission by the Greenhouse Policy Coalition to Inland Revenue on the proposed carbon tax, calls for more investigation into new technologies to ward off climate change."
A group of industrialists wants the government to go back to the drawing board on climate change policies.
A submission by the Greenhouse Policy Coalition to Inland Revenue on the proposed carbon tax, calls for more investigation into new technologies to ward off climate change."
Kyoto may cost NZ $300m plus: "
The Treasury has put a figure of $303 million on the cost to taxpayers of New Zealand's international obligations under the Kyoto climate change treaty.
The latest monthly Government accounts, for May, quantify the cost for the first time.
It is now thought New Zealand will overshoot its Kyoto target in the 2008 to 2012 period by 36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which will have to be covered by buying tradeable emission units, commonly called carbon credits, on the international market. The figure for the liability uses a 'best estimate' of the price of those credits of US$6 a tonne based on a report from the Allen Consulting Group in Australia. "
The Treasury has put a figure of $303 million on the cost to taxpayers of New Zealand's international obligations under the Kyoto climate change treaty.
The latest monthly Government accounts, for May, quantify the cost for the first time.
It is now thought New Zealand will overshoot its Kyoto target in the 2008 to 2012 period by 36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which will have to be covered by buying tradeable emission units, commonly called carbon credits, on the international market. The figure for the liability uses a 'best estimate' of the price of those credits of US$6 a tonne based on a report from the Allen Consulting Group in Australia. "
"Peak Oil” – An Urgent Issue for New Zealand
SEF - pdf download
Human activity in New Zealand is heavily reliant on abundant and cheap energy, much of which we get from oil. Yet oil is a finite resource, and one that the world is rapidly using up.
Because the implications of Peak Oil are so serious for New Zealand, SEF recommends that the Government, and individuals, start planning for “the Peak Oil crisis” now.
SEF - pdf download
Human activity in New Zealand is heavily reliant on abundant and cheap energy, much of which we get from oil. Yet oil is a finite resource, and one that the world is rapidly using up.
Because the implications of Peak Oil are so serious for New Zealand, SEF recommends that the Government, and individuals, start planning for “the Peak Oil crisis” now.
Royal Society reaction to G8
Opening yet another dialogue is not a sufficient response. We have been talking instead of acting since 1992, when the international community in the form of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change recognised that we are facing an international threat. In its communiqu? the G8 talks of facing a moment of opportunity while, at the same time, turning away from that moment.
At the heart of this communiqué is a disappointing failure by the leaders of the G8 unequivocally to recognise the urgency with which we must be addressing the global threat of climate change. Make no mistake, the science already justifies reversing not merely slowing the global growth of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the G8 nations to respond to this. And further delays will make the G8s avowed commitment in this communiqué to avoid dangerous impacts of climate change extremely difficult.
Opening yet another dialogue is not a sufficient response. We have been talking instead of acting since 1992, when the international community in the form of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change recognised that we are facing an international threat. In its communiqu? the G8 talks of facing a moment of opportunity while, at the same time, turning away from that moment.
At the heart of this communiqué is a disappointing failure by the leaders of the G8 unequivocally to recognise the urgency with which we must be addressing the global threat of climate change. Make no mistake, the science already justifies reversing not merely slowing the global growth of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the G8 nations to respond to this. And further delays will make the G8s avowed commitment in this communiqué to avoid dangerous impacts of climate change extremely difficult.
Royal Society reacts to G8 climate change communique
In reaction to the publication today (Friday 8 July 2005) of the G8 communique on climate change, Lord May of Oxford, President of the Royal Society, said:
'At the heart of this communique is a disappointing failure by the leaders of the G8 unequivocally to recognise the urgency with which we must be addressing the global threat of climate change. Make no mistake, the science already justifies reversing not merely slowing the global growth of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the G8 nations to respond to this. And further delays will make the G8s avowed commitment in this communique to avoid dangerous impacts of climate change extremely difficult.
'The conspicuous failure of the G8 explicitly to mention even the need for targets to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases underlines our concern."
Opening yet another dialogue is not a sufficient response. We have been talking instead of acting since 1992, when the international community in the form of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change recognised that we are facing an international threat.
In reaction to the publication today (Friday 8 July 2005) of the G8 communique on climate change, Lord May of Oxford, President of the Royal Society, said:
'At the heart of this communique is a disappointing failure by the leaders of the G8 unequivocally to recognise the urgency with which we must be addressing the global threat of climate change. Make no mistake, the science already justifies reversing not merely slowing the global growth of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the G8 nations to respond to this. And further delays will make the G8s avowed commitment in this communique to avoid dangerous impacts of climate change extremely difficult.
'The conspicuous failure of the G8 explicitly to mention even the need for targets to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases underlines our concern."
Opening yet another dialogue is not a sufficient response. We have been talking instead of acting since 1992, when the international community in the form of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change recognised that we are facing an international threat.
Getting to the roots of Kyoto problems
The hole in the Government's accounts - caused by its obligations under the Kyoto climate change treaty - is prompting calls for incentives to plant new forests.
The Kyoto Forestry Association has backed away from its initial claim that the forest industry could 'rescue the Government from its predicament by doubling the size of the Kyoto forest estate by 2012'.
Because of the time it takes to acquire suitable land, grow seedlings and grow trees, it is too late to get us out of the hole for the climate change treaty's 'first commitment period', 2008 to 2012. "
The hole in the Government's accounts - caused by its obligations under the Kyoto climate change treaty - is prompting calls for incentives to plant new forests.
The Kyoto Forestry Association has backed away from its initial claim that the forest industry could 'rescue the Government from its predicament by doubling the size of the Kyoto forest estate by 2012'.
Because of the time it takes to acquire suitable land, grow seedlings and grow trees, it is too late to get us out of the hole for the climate change treaty's 'first commitment period', 2008 to 2012. "
G8 calls for new climate dialogue
The science is such that 'we know enough to act now', the G8 says
The G8 leaders have promised a 'new dialogue' on climate change.
Their communique released at the end of the Gleneagles summit, states that global warming is a 'serious long-term challenge' for the entire planet.
And the nations promised to act with 'resolve and urgency' to reduce the gas emissions thought responsible - but they specified no targets or timetable. "
The science is such that 'we know enough to act now', the G8 says
The G8 leaders have promised a 'new dialogue' on climate change.
Their communique released at the end of the Gleneagles summit, states that global warming is a 'serious long-term challenge' for the entire planet.
And the nations promised to act with 'resolve and urgency' to reduce the gas emissions thought responsible - but they specified no targets or timetable. "
Kaipara station not the solution for Auckland's energy - Green Party
A new Kaipara gas-fired power station is a bad idea, says Greens Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
The $500 million Kaipara plant, proposed by state-owned Genesis Energy, is being touted as a way to delay Transpower's plan for running mega-pylons through the Waikato and avoiding firing up the mothballed Marsden B station on coal. We don't know if we have the natural gas to run a gas-fired power station in the Kaipara and if we did it should be sent down pipes and burnt directly in homes and businesses, rather than being wasted on making electricity, Ms Fitzsimons says.
Genesis had to get the Government to underwrite a gas supply for its new Huntly gas-fired station because there are no guarantees that there is more gas to be found within New Zealand. "
A new Kaipara gas-fired power station is a bad idea, says Greens Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
The $500 million Kaipara plant, proposed by state-owned Genesis Energy, is being touted as a way to delay Transpower's plan for running mega-pylons through the Waikato and avoiding firing up the mothballed Marsden B station on coal. We don't know if we have the natural gas to run a gas-fired power station in the Kaipara and if we did it should be sent down pipes and burnt directly in homes and businesses, rather than being wasted on making electricity, Ms Fitzsimons says.
Genesis had to get the Government to underwrite a gas supply for its new Huntly gas-fired station because there are no guarantees that there is more gas to be found within New Zealand. "
Resource consent problems hamper TrustPower windfarm
TrustPower today said it would have to evaluate the business case for a proposed 40 turbine expansion to its Tararua windfarm after resource consent problems cut nine turbines out of the field.
The nine turbines not granted consent were opposed by the local airport authority, and TrustPower said it had always understood that these would be subject to satisfying aviation safety requirements.
But CEO Keith Tempest said TrustPower will now review the business case based on the smaller number of turbines over the next few weeks.
If the project remains viable, he said, TrustPower will proceed with calling tenders for turbine supply and construction.
'New Zealand has an urgent need for new generation capacity. This 93 MW expansion will provide enough power for the equivalent of 42,000 homes.' "
TrustPower today said it would have to evaluate the business case for a proposed 40 turbine expansion to its Tararua windfarm after resource consent problems cut nine turbines out of the field.
The nine turbines not granted consent were opposed by the local airport authority, and TrustPower said it had always understood that these would be subject to satisfying aviation safety requirements.
But CEO Keith Tempest said TrustPower will now review the business case based on the smaller number of turbines over the next few weeks.
If the project remains viable, he said, TrustPower will proceed with calling tenders for turbine supply and construction.
'New Zealand has an urgent need for new generation capacity. This 93 MW expansion will provide enough power for the equivalent of 42,000 homes.' "
500m plant could delay power line
State-owned power company Genesis Energy is drawing up plans to build a $500 million gas-fired power station on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour.
If built, a new station north of Auckland could delay Transpower's plan for new power pylons running through the Waikato.
Transpower says new lines are needed by 2010, before a critical shortage of electricity bites in the upper North Island.
Demand for power in the Rodney district is growing at 4 per cent a year, while fears for security of supply for the whole Auckland region are also growing. Power use across Auckland has reached records in the past two weeks.
Genesis has been investigating potential sites for a power station in the Helensville and Wellsford areas. The two locations' proximity to both a natural gas pipeline and electricity transmission lines makes them attractive. "
State-owned power company Genesis Energy is drawing up plans to build a $500 million gas-fired power station on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour.
If built, a new station north of Auckland could delay Transpower's plan for new power pylons running through the Waikato.
Transpower says new lines are needed by 2010, before a critical shortage of electricity bites in the upper North Island.
Demand for power in the Rodney district is growing at 4 per cent a year, while fears for security of supply for the whole Auckland region are also growing. Power use across Auckland has reached records in the past two weeks.
Genesis has been investigating potential sites for a power station in the Helensville and Wellsford areas. The two locations' proximity to both a natural gas pipeline and electricity transmission lines makes them attractive. "
Standard Negotiated Greenhouse Agreement
The body of the Standard Negotiated Greenhouse Agreement contains standard terms and conditions that will not be negotiated by the Crown. A number of firm-specific items that will vary for different participants are set out in the schedules to the agreement, namely: the scope of the firm for the purpose of the NGA; a description of the participant's industry; the participant's target pathway for emissions intensity (including any provision for firm-specific target pathway adjustments); the participant's supporting commitments under the NGA; and, partially, annual and milestone reporting requirements and the content of those reports.
We offer you the opportunity to provide your comments on the above document. Please indicate if you wish your comments to remain confidential.
Any comments must be in writing, be received by Wednesday 27 July 2005
The body of the Standard Negotiated Greenhouse Agreement contains standard terms and conditions that will not be negotiated by the Crown. A number of firm-specific items that will vary for different participants are set out in the schedules to the agreement, namely: the scope of the firm for the purpose of the NGA; a description of the participant's industry; the participant's target pathway for emissions intensity (including any provision for firm-specific target pathway adjustments); the participant's supporting commitments under the NGA; and, partially, annual and milestone reporting requirements and the content of those reports.
We offer you the opportunity to provide your comments on the above document. Please indicate if you wish your comments to remain confidential.
Any comments must be in writing, be received by Wednesday 27 July 2005
Bush rejects Kyoto-style G8 deal
President George W Bush has ruled out US backing for any Kyoto-style deal on climate change at the G8 summit.
Speaking to British broadcaster ITV, he said he would instead be talking to fellow leaders about new technologies as a way of tackling global warming.
But he conceded that the issue was one 'we've got to deal with' and said human activity was 'to some extent' to blame"
President George W Bush has ruled out US backing for any Kyoto-style deal on climate change at the G8 summit.
Speaking to British broadcaster ITV, he said he would instead be talking to fellow leaders about new technologies as a way of tackling global warming.
But he conceded that the issue was one 'we've got to deal with' and said human activity was 'to some extent' to blame"
