WWF welcomes new report showing renewable energy future 100% possible

Global conservation organisation WWF-New Zealand today welcomed a new Greenpeace report, “The Future is Here”, showing how New Zealand could grow jobs and protect the environment by shifting to almost 100% renewable energy by 2050.

WWF-New Zealand Climate Change Programme Manager Peter Hardstaff says: “This report is a welcome addition to a growing body of work showing that a renewable energy future for New Zealand is not only 100% possible, but economically beneficial. Our nation’s future prosperity depends on a low carbon economy.”

The report is based on modeling conducted by a range of experts including energy analysts at the Department of Systems Analysis and Technology Assessment in Stuttgart, Germany. It shows that New Zealand can reach 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and almost 100% renewable transport and industry by 2050. The report also finds that this will benefit New Zealand’s balance of payments by reducing the oil import bill and will create tens of thousands of jobs.

WWF New-Zealand is calling on the Government to transition away from a dependence on fossil fuels and instead capitalise on the fact that New Zealand has big natural advantages in renewable energy. Peter Hardstaff says: “Now, more than ever, we need the political leadership to kick start the transition towards a 100% renewable economy.”

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