A Climate Protection Plan is what New Zealand needs

Sunday, 1 June 2014, 5:25 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

A Climate Protection Plan is what New Zealand needs - Generation Zero

Youth climate change organisation Generation Zero says the Greens’ Climate Protection Plan is “the kind of policy response we have been waiting for”.

The Greens’ Plan announced today would set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, establish an expert Climate Commission to advise the Government, phase out the Emissions Trading Scheme in favour of a revenue-neutral carbon tax, and introduce a suite of complementary measures to support the transition to carbon neutrality.

“Our recent report ‘A Challenge to Our Leaders’ laid out why New Zealand needs a comprehensive plan toward a zero carbon economy, and called on all political parties to step up. The Greens have done so with this announcement, now we want to see other parties following suit,” said Generation Zero spokesperson Paul Young.

“The OECD and even companies such as Shell are calling on governments to set a timeframe and plan for achieving zero emissions from fossil fuels. The Greens’ goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 is a good one.”

“An independent Climate Commission, like the UK and many other countries have, is a vital part of the package to take some of the politics out of the climate change debate and hold our government to account.”

“We agree that the Emissions Trading Scheme in its current form is hopeless and needs an overhaul: it is non-transparent, inequitable, and worst, completely ineffective. We support the Greens ‘Climate Tax Cut’ plan as proposed, but remain open to other ways to deliver a strong and fair carbon price by fixing the ETS.”

“And a suite of complementary measures is essential as a carbon price will only go so far - particularly in the transport sector, which accounts for over 40% of New Zealand’s carbon dioxide emissions.”

“Overall, the Climate Protection Plan is a great blueprint for the comprehensive and fair climate change response we have been calling for since forming three years ago. New Zealand needs a plan like this to build a safe future for young people and an economy fit for the 21st century.”

“We’re eager to hear what other parties will do to tackle climate change. This should be a major election issue.”

ENDS

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