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21 March 2014

Greens welcome Royal Society’s commitment to a smart green economy

The Green Party today welcomed the Royal Society’s finding that you can protect the environment and have a strong economy – an economic strategy at odds with the current National Government’s.

The Royal Society of New Zealand has released a report entitled Facing the future: towards a green economy for New Zealand, highlighting a green path to create a stronger economy – one that is low carbon, resource efficient, and socially inclusive.

“The Royal Society has called for strong government leadership to address the on-going deterioration of our natural environment and wellbeing,” said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.

“The Royal Society has set out a credible, collaborative plan to transition our economy to a more sustainable footing. With a smart, green economy, we can create good jobs while protecting our natural environment.

“This is a win-win economic plan that our Government should be supporting.

“Since taking office, the National Government has unfortunately chosen to further exploit the environment for the sake of the economy leaving both the poorer.”

The report details the huge growth of carbon emissions that have taken place under National’s watch. Instead of shrinking emissions, net emissions are set to go up 50 percent in the next decade. Similarly, our rivers and lakes have deteriorated significantly in recent years.

“National has failed to get us climate ready or protect our rivers,” Dr Norman said.

“We are no longer doing our fair share as a nation to reduce emissions to levels where our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy a stable climate like we have.

“National has failed to stop industrial dairy farmers from using our rivers as drains.

“The Royal Society has called for the Government to set in place strong drivers and tight regulations to help drive the transition to a green economy.

“With an all-of-country effort, including smart leadership from central government, we can have a strong environment and a strong economy.”

Link to Royal Society report:
http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/publications/reports/
[http://royalsociety.org.nz/expert-advice/information-papers/yr2014/greeneconomy/]

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