To the Chief Reporter

Climate Change Survey

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) has decided to make public a national survey of public opinion on climate change, and New Zealand’s possible response, including the emissions trading scheme proposed in the Bill that went to the Select Committee.

The research reveals little public support for the scheme as proposed and widespread concern about cost and employment impacts.

NZIER Chief Executive Dr Brent Layton said the research was conducted early last month as part of NZIER's on-going work on climate change and emissions trading. The research was shared last week through the members’ only section of its website with NZIER's members and those companies, organisations and individuals who have been assisting NZIER with its work in this area since last year.

“We are now being asked by others for copies of the research findings, and have decided to simply make the report available through the public access section of our website – www.nzier.org.nz,” said Dr Layton.

NZIER will make use of the information to guide its project to design an emissions trading scheme that is sustainable because it is both effective and acceptable to business, primary producers and the general public. It sought further funding to carry on this work when it released the research to its members. NZIER published its findings of the economic impact of the proposed scheme in May and believes some aspects of it are unsustainable. 

The research now posted in the public access section of NZIER's website with other emissions trading related material, was conducted for NZIER by TNS-Conversa using an on-line sample of 1000. It has a margin or error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. "The research is not NZIER's research, it is an input into our on-going interest in this area." Dr Layton said.

Download the TNS Conversa survey here: http://www.nzier.org.nz/Site/Publications/Emissions_Trading.aspx

ends

© Scoop Media