22 April 2016

Tree planting for the climate – a game-changer

The Green Party is calling the concept of a 1.3 million hectare Forest Future a potential game-changer that could give New Zealand a real shot a creating a safer climate for future generations.

Climate-focused business group Pure Advantage today released a report calling for the planting of 1.3 million hectares of forest to combat climate change and shift New Zealander to a low-carbon economy.

“Planting on this scale is a huge but necessary step towards creating a safer climate for future generations,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

“Trees can suck-up greenhouse gas emissions faster, and more cheaply, than any technology we can create.

“Planting more native trees on erosion-prone land, around waterways, and in our cities will mean cleaner rivers, greener cities, and more habitat for native birds.

“We really need to put a proper price on carbon pollution to make this happen, which is definitely going to take more than a few tweaks to the Emissions Trading Scheme as National is proposing.

"It's important that National realise forestry is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. We have to plant trees while also cutting pollution in areas like transport and agriculture at the same time.

“I’m really keen to sit down with businesses, farmers, foresters, and iwi over the next few months and see how we can help make this vision a reality.

“It’s heartening to see the Greens are on the same page as leading business thinkers. Last year we showed that tree-planting on this scale is possible in our Yes We Can Climate Plan,” said Mr Shaw.

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