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"The Government Climate Change Policy package announced today has both environmental integrity and due regard for New Zealand's economic interests," Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer said.
"The package is a consultation document outlining the governments preferred policies for meeting New Zealand targets under the Kyoto Protocol. The Protocol requires New Zealand and other developed nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."
"The policies will only come into effect if the Kyoto Protocol itself comes into force internationally. We will not know that for a year or more. Following consultation with sector groups the government anticipates ratifying the Protocol in August this year. New Zealand is likely to be about the twentieth developed nation to do so."
Why should NZ ratify the Kyoto Protocol?
- New Zealand is a member of the international community, we cannot afford to just wait and see on climate change. If we do New Zealand will not be involved in future international debate nor be in a position of influence on this critical issue. New Zealand needs to ensure it is in the debate not outside of it. People who embrace Kyoto will end up being the leaders in their sector, which is why there is support from notable farming leaders for the Protocol. This government has recognised the importance of agriculture to New Zealand economy by exempting the industry from carbon tax.
- The largest proportion of New Zealand's economy is derived from primary production. The reason we grow grass so well is because we do not have an extreme climate. Our climate will progressively come under threat. We need Kyoto more than it needs us.
- There are financial gains for New Zealand if we ratify the Protocol. Our carbon sink credits, which we sell, are larger than our excess emissions. The more we can reduce our excess emissions, the greater our net selling position.
"New Zealand must take climate change seriously. We have much to lose if global warming continues unchecked, and much to gain by contributing to the international effort to tackle it through the Kyoto Protocol. The policies announced today are designed to take us towards a more sustainable energy future," Georgina Beyer said.
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