Climate Defence Network (New Zealand)

September 2007

CDN Principles for Climate Change Policy

Any proposed scheme must:

1. Drive real reductions in New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions at a rate which matches that required by the international scientific consensus on the level of emissions reductions needed to avoid dangerous climate change.

The scheme must not simply halt or slow the increase, or decrease ‘net’ emissions through offsets while allowing gross emissions to continue to grow. A reduction in emissions must come first and offsets second.

2. Include all sectors and all emissions, in the short to medium term, on equal terms, and with a clearly stated timetable.

3. Expose all emitters to the world price on carbon as soon as possible. The cost of Kyoto compliance should be born by emitters, not taxpayers.

4. Include a clearly stated timetable for progressive reductions in the proposed initial cap over the first 5 to 10 years, with further goals, targets and/or milestones through to at least 2050.

5. Not allow gratis allocations of emissions permits (‘grandparenting’). All permits should be auctioned.

6. Recognise that emissions pricing is necessary but not sufficient for effective and rapid emissions reduction. It must form part of a comprehensive policy package for reducing or replacing the use of emissions-producing technologies.

7. Use the revenue from auctioning of permits to support other measures for mitigating or adapting to climate change, including support for those likely to face hardship as a result of climate change and its mitigation.

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