Greens split-target the way forward

A split-target for emissions reductions is the practical way forward for New Zealand, the Green Party said today.

During questions in the House today Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei proposed a strong 40 percent target for transport, energy and industrial emissions, and a soft 20 percent target for livestock emissions.

“It is really important that we don’t hide behind our agriculture emissions and fail to set a strong target for carbon dioxide,” Mrs Turei said.

“We know that there are more options for farmers to control nitrous oxide than methane, so we can seek a balance under the softer target.

“A legitimate target, even a modest one, will encourage best practice, as agriculture must be part of any Emissions Trading Scheme.

“Exempting agriculture is not possible, as it represents almost half of New Zealand’s emissions. Climate change doesn’t allow for free-riders.

“However, we also need to recognise the unique investment in research and development that is required, and restore the funding that was cut in this year’s budget.

“A scientific review hosted by the Danish Government makes it clear that we are tracking the worst case scenarios for global warming outlined in the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) research.”

The Synthesis Report published last week reviewed the newest science since the IPCC’s 2007 report and will form the scientific basis of the climate change talks in Copenhagen this December.

The report states that “weaker targets for 2020 increase the risk of serious impacts, including crossing of tipping points, and make the task of meeting 2050 targets more difficult and costly”.

New Zealand needs an ambitious, credible emissions reduction target for 2020, Mrs Turei said, and developing a split-target would be fair to everyone.

The Synthesis Report can be downloaded at:
http://climatecongress.ku.dk/pdf/synthesisreport