Youth urge Government to join G7 push for zero carbon future

Wednesday, 10 June 2015, 12:42 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Youth urge Government to join G7 push for zero carbon future

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Youth climate change group Generation Zero is urging the Government to commit to a zero carbon future following yesterday’s declaration by G7 leaders to phase out fossil fuel use this century.

The Leaders’ Declaration from the G7 Summit in Germany expressed support for a global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% below 2010 levels by 2050, and emphasised the need for “decarbonisation of the global economy over the course of this century” to keep global warming under 2 °C.

Generation Zero spokesperson Paul Young says “This declaration sends a clear message that the age of fossil fuels must end this century, and every country needs to plan for a zero carbon future.”

Generation Zero’s Fix Our Future campaign mobilised over 4,600 New Zealanders to make a submission on the Government’s post-2020 climate change target consultation. The campaign calls for the Government to put in place a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2050 or earlier, and to push for a global zero carbon target to be set at the UN climate summit in Paris this November.

“Several countries, such as the UK, have already established a clear pathway for reducing their carbon pollution to near-zero by 2050. But New Zealand has no plan at all, and our emissions are projected to keep growing under current policy settings,” said Mr Young.

“This is shameful for a country with incredible opportunities in clean energy and a global reputation for being socially and environmentally progressive. The tide is turning and our leaders are currently on the wrong side of history.”

“New Zealand has the ability to lead the way to a thriving, zero carbon world. We’re in a prime position to grow our base of renewable electricity, shift our transport and heat needs to electricity and other clean energy sources, and absorb carbon by planting forests.”

“Until the Government has a plan for a zero carbon future it is simply not doing justice to our generation.”

ENDS

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