21 October 2013

Massive increase in New Zealand’s projected emissions

Ministry for the Environment projections show we are on the wrong track when it comes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, the Green Party said today.

The recently released Ministry for the Environment Annual Report shows a substantial increase in New Zealand’s projected net emissions compared to projections last year. This year’s projections show New Zealand headed for net emissions of around 90 million tonnes CO2(eq) in 2040.

“We are headed in the wrong direction to meet the Government’s 2050 target. Instead of decreasing our emissions by 50 percent we are more likely to increase emissions by 50 percent,” said Green Party climate spokesperson Dr Kennedy Graham.

“The change between this year’s projections and last year’s show an increase in the peak emissions from just over 80 million tonnes CO2(eq) to just under 100 million tonnes CO2(eq).

“This is a policy failure of monumental proportions. The next generation will hold us accountable – for a dangerous global climate and a national fiscal blowout.

“We have to turn this around. We must do our share and stop freeloading. We depend on the major emitters to reduce their emission; if we don’t do our share how can we expect them to act?

“New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme needs strengthening; we need a comprehensive suite of policy measures to reduce our emissions and to transition to a more sustainable economy. Instead, the National Government has weakened the Emissions Trading Scheme and dismantled measures to reduce emissions and is now promoting risky oil and gas exploration which will just make the problem worse,” said Dr Graham.

For more information:
Ministry for the Environment Annual Report 2013 – Page 60 http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/about/annual-report/2012-2013/annual-report-2013.pdf
Ministry for the Environment Annual Report 2012 – Page 10 http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/about/annual-report/2011-2012/annual-report.pdf

ENDS

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