Government must act on climate change or squander rich ocean economy

A report released today by WWF about the massive wealth of our oceans and the threat of collapse they now face underlines that the Government is being economically reckless by failing to act on climate change, the Green Party said today.

The report, Reviving the Ocean’s Economy, conservatively values the world’s oceans related assets at $24 trillion but suggests that this is diminishing rapidly due to over-exploitation and climate change.

“This report confirms the vital role our oceans play in our economies worldwide and their vulnerability to climate change. In New Zealand we are no different,” said Green Party Oceans spokesperson Eugenie Sage.

“The report highlights climate change as the most critical factor leading to the collapse of the ‘ocean economy’.

“The Government is allowing our emissions to increase, stalling effective climate agreements internationally and has New Zealand on track to increase emissions by 50 per cent in the next decade.

“This report proves that the Government is being economically reckless by failing to take action on climate change.

“If the Government wants to protect New Zealand jobs and prosperity, it would start getting serious about tackling climate change, over-fishing and marine protection.

“We have the fifth largest exclusive economic zone in the world. We could be an example to the world while protecting New Zealand’s environmental and economic future. But currently the Government is contributing the decline of our oceans,” Ms Sage said.

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