21 July 2015

Govt can raise the 2030 climate target

The National Government ought to listen to the public and raise the ambition of its climate change target, the Green Party said today.

“The Government is out of touch with the public’s desire for a cleaner, low-carbon New Zealand,” said Mr Shaw.

“If John Key is prepared to listen to the public on changing the flag, why won’t he listen to the 99 percent of submitters who argued for a more ambitious climate plan than what the Government is proposing?” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

Mr Shaw was referring to the fact that of the 10,900 submitters who specified a target in their submission to the post-2020 climate consultation, 99 percent wanted at least a 40 percent reduction on 1990 levels. The Government announced a target of just 11 percent reduction on 1990 levels.

“Support for a reduction target of 40 percent by 2030 comes from a wide range of sectors including business, health professionals, even the petroleum retailer Z Energy,” said Mr Shaw.

“According to a recent UMR survey, even 24 percent of National Party voters think New Zealand should take stronger action on climate change.

“John Key’s choice to personally champion the change of flag debate over the national discussion on climate change shows he is out of touch with New Zealanders.

“It’s not too late for John Key to do the right thing. The Government can raise the ambition of our climate target ahead of the UN climate negotiations in December.

“Today in question time, the Prime Minister said that he would be open to increasing the target over time. That time ought to be now.

“We were the first to give women the vote. We stood behind our Pacific neighbours in rejecting nuclear testing. Now it’s time for a climate plan New Zealanders can be proud of,” said Mr Shaw.

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