Major Contradiction On Kyoto Protocol

13 February 2002

Major Contradiction Between PM And Govt Statement Over Kyoto

The Governments' National Interest Analysis on Kyoto contradicts the Prime Minister's statement to Parliament, says Business NZ.

On Tuesday the Prime Minister told Parliament that NZ would not have to introduce cost-incurring measures until 2008.

But the Analysis released yesterday says NZ must "make demonstrable progress, by 2005, toward achieving its commitments under the Protocol".

Business NZ Chief Executive Simon Carlaw says this is a major contradiction.

"If we have to show progress by 2005, that means we have to start cutting emissions next year.

"The majority of submissions on Kyoto said the NZ Government is moving too fast. The National Interest Analysis shows just how quickly the costs will begin to bite.

"The National Analysis Statement (page 36) quotes costs such as a 25% drop in returns from dairy products as a result of ratifying. How this outcome would propel NZ into the top half of the OECD is a mystery.

"There is absolutely no need for NZ to rush ahead of other countries to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The variance between the Prime Minister's statement and the Government's National Interest Analysis should be a wake-up call," Mr Carlaw said.

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