Government's commitment-phobia to climate science continues

The Government is proposing crippling cuts to our world-leading NIWA climate research centre in Lauder in a move that is likely to dent our international reputation, Green Party environment spokesperson Eugenie Sage said today.

The proposed cuts would spell the end of the centre's internationally renowned research programmes on climate and atmospheric science, according to former employee Dr Greg Bodecker; a Nobel Peace Prize recipient for climate research. The cuts will also slash three senior scientists' jobs.

"The Lauder centre recently celebrated 50 years of atmospheric research in the Southern Hemisphere and has some of the best instruments in the world for atmospheric research, making it a valuable facility for international climate scientists," said Ms Sage.

"The plan to disinvest in a top climate science research centre, combined with the recent weakening of our Emissions Trading Scheme, reveals the Government's lack of commitment to international climate change science. It also undermines the good reputation of New Zealand's scientific community.

"Part of our global contribution to tackling climate change is to reduce our emissions, while an equally important part is to contribute to global scientific understanding of the issue - the Government is failing on both accounts.

"New Zealanders want to play a part in addressing climate change, but nearly every day the Government seems to be making an announcement where they turn their back on the environment.

"The Government and NIWA should reverse this short-sighted decision and keep the research centre at Lauder running at full capacity so we can play our part in the fight to address climate change."