Interim Climate Change Committee Gets Underway

The Interim Climate Change Committee began work this week as one of the key steps towards establishing an independent Climate Change Commission next year.

Interim Committee Chair Dr David Prentice says, “I’m delighted to be working with such high-calibre Committee Members, all of whom are leading experts in key climate change areas we are tasked with looking at.”

The purpose of the Interim Committee is to provide independent evidence and analysis on issues identified in the Terms of Reference. This will be handed over to an independent Climate Change Commission in 2019 to inform its recommendations to Government.

“We know we have significant and challenging work ahead of us in the coming months. We recognise that a collaborative approach is critical to inform the Government’s goal of achieving a net zero emissions target in the long-term for New Zealand.”

Dr Prentice says that although the Interim Committee is independent it will not be working in isolation.

“Later in the year we will be actively seeking feedback from our stakeholders around the country to help inform our work. We will be transparent, and listen and engage across industry and key sectors, including the agricultural sector, with Māori, the research community and agencies and commercial organisations that have already undertaken considerable research and analysis. ”

Dr Prentice acknowledged the Productivity Commission’s Low-emissions economy Draft report released last week.

“We welcome this draft report as it is clear a tremendous amount of work has gone into it. It’s very timely and will provide valuable insight to help inform our thinking.”

The other Committee Members are Lisa Tumahai (Deputy Chair), Dr Harry Clark, Dr Keith Turner and Dr Jan Wright, with specialist advisor Dr Suzi Kerr.

FAQS
What is the purpose of the ICCC?
The ICCC is a Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed by the Climate Change Minister with the agreement of Cabinet. The purpose of the Committee is to provide independent evidence and analysis on issues in the Terms of Reference that will be passed to a Climate Change Commission to inform its recommendations.

What are the Terms of Reference for the ICCC?
The primary deliverables of the ICCC are reports on: how surrender obligations could best be arranged if agricultural methane and nitrous oxide emissions enter into the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, and planning for the transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2035. The full Terms of Reference can be found here: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Legislation/Cabinet%20paper/interim-climate-change-committee-tor.pdf

When did the ICCC start?
The ICCC officially started on 1 May 2018.

Who is the Committee Chair?

The Committee is chaired by Dr David Prentice. Dr Prentice brings a wealth of economic, commercial and international market experience and was most recently CEO and Managing Director of infrastructure firm Opus International Consultants.

Who are the Committee members?
The ICCC Committee members are: Lisa Tumahai (Deputy Chair) Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Dr Harry Clark Director of New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, Dr Keith Turner former CEO of Meridian Energy, Dr Jan Wright former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, with specialist advisor Dr Suzi Kerr, Senior Fellow at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research.

What is the Productivity Commission’s Low-emissions economy Draft report?
The previous Government asked the Productivity Commission to identify options for how New Zealand can reduce its domestic greenhouse gas emissions through a transition to a low-emissions economy, while at the same time continuing to grow income and wellbeing. The Commission’s Draft report can be found here: https://www.productivity.govt.nz/

Is the Interim Climate Change Committee completely independent?
Yes. Although the Committee and Secretariat are co-located at the Ministry for the Environment, they have their own separate space in the building and their own secure information management system.

How can I get in touch with the Interim Climate Change Committee?
You can contact them by email via the Interim Climate Change Committee Secretariat at enquiries@ICCC.mfe.govt.nz

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