Greens Disgusted At US Withdrawal From Kyoto Protocol

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons today called on the Prime Minister to convey New Zealand's anger to US President George Bush over his decision to abandon the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

"What we have here is the world's biggest producer of global warming emissions turning its back on the future of this planet," said Ms Fitzsimons. "This is a decision which acutely undermines the global commitment to protecting a stable climate.

"Without a climate treaty we are looking at major risks to human health, agriculture, forestry, coastal communities, other species and ecosystems, and our livelihoods," she said.

"We urge the New Zealand Government to convey our opposition to this move directly to President Bush in the strongest possible terms. To do anything less would be to betray our Pacific Island neighbours who are literally struggling to keep their heads above water."

Ms Fitzsimons also urged New Zealand to keep negotiating with the rest of the world to ratify a meaningful treaty to halt global warming.

"President Bush seems not to understand that he is shooting his own country in the foot," she said.

"Innovation in energy and land use technologies will bring big benefits to the companies who develop them first. The Kyoto Protocol is driving that innovation. Bush is condemning US business to losing that race.

"This is why New Zealand and the rest of the OECD should not be put off. We should continue to negotiate a strong protocol and sign it.

"Eventually shame in the world community, increasing climate disasters within the US, the loss of business opportunities or a change of Government will bring the US into the agreement," said Ms Fitzsimons.

Ms Fitzsimons will be asking oral question number 11 during Question Time on this issue today

Ends

© Scoop Media