1 August 2013

Report confirms urgent action needed on climate change

The report released today, by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, highlights the urgency for action on protecting the climate, the Green Party said.

The report says that New Zealand will face significant challenges as a result of climate change causing more extreme weather events.

“We can’t afford to delay implementing a strong climate policy for New Zealand,” said Green Party climate change spokesperson Dr Kennedy Graham.

“The projected increases in extreme weather events, including droughts, are of great concern for the viability of our agricultural sector.

“Our economy depends in many ways on a stable climate and it is important we do our share to protect it.

“The NIWA report released in June indicated the severe drought last summer was consistent with climate model projects, not a result of El Niño, and is a sign of things to come.

“The report says that any benefits from a warmer climate will be dwarfed by the adverse impacts of climate change.

“The impact on our agriculture sector, combined with its large share of New Zealand’s emissions, highlight the necessity of bringing agriculture into the ETS.

“It was good to have Federated Farmers attend my recent conference on climate change in Parliament.
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“The Green Party is engaging with the farming sector which shows promise,” said Dr Graham.

Link to the report from the Office of the Chief Science Advisor Report: http://www.pmcsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/New-Zealands-Changing-Climate-and-Oceans-report.pdf
Link to the NIWA report prepared for MPI: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/Default.aspx?TabId=126&id=1899

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