NZIF calls for rethink of Govt Climate Policy

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8 April 2007

NZIF submission on climate change calls for rethink of Government Policy.

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry’s (“NZIF”) submission on the Government’s draft climate change policy documents calls for a rethink of Government Policy.

This call is driven by:

 A concern at the apparent lack of an overall policy statement setting out clear objectives, goals and targets;

 An assessment that sustainable and durable climate change policy will not result from fragmented policy development.

Those interested or affected by climate change policy will require a coordinated package of options presented to them so they can frame their individual sectoral responses within the context of a cohesive approach. By requesting responses to six documents issued by four government agencies, without an apparent overall policy statement, Government is adding to the confusion.

The NZIF’s analysis of the government’s policy options found that they do not meet criteria of:

 Effectiveness

 Simplicity

 Equity

 Relevance to New Zealand

 Comprehensive and cohesive

 Forward looking and sustainable.

The core recommendations of the Institute are:

- New Zealand’s domestic climate change policy should not try to mirror the Kyoto Protocol rules that apply during the first commitment period;

- Policies must be forward looking and sustainable by design, to meet the specific needs of NZ, socially and economically;

- Policies must concentrate on reducing or controlling the growth in greenhouse gas emissions rather than targeting carbon sinks;

- A broad based tax on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and other sources is recommended as the simplest mechanism to effect a transition in the pattern of greenhouse gas emissions toward carbon neutrality;

- Policies must be consistent with the internationally accepted polluter pays principle, this being required for the evolution of sustainable patterns of land use, lower greenhouse gas emissions and less pollution of waterways.

We contend that the above criteria will better position New Zealand to meet the country’s international obligations arising from the Kyoto Protocol or any subsequent international agreements.

ENDS

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