Stop Fiddling while Rome burns

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) is calling on the Government to stop fiddling while Rome burns regarding reducing greenhouse gases.

NZIF President James Treadwell says “the three reports out this week from Pure Advantage, the Morgan Foundation and the Royal Society highlight the total lack of real effective action from this country to reducing greenhouse gases”.

This week submissions are due on proposed changes to the ETS, however according to Treadwell these changes will not really make much difference. Treadwell says “it is time a frank discussion was held within New Zealand where we ask ourselves do we want to do our fair share or are we happy to game the system.”

“The Institute has always believed there is a need for more trees to be planted; trees remove carbon, nothing else does”. The Pure Advantage report in particular calls for large scale tree planting.

Mr Treadwell points out if 15% of unproductive agriculture land was planted, then New Zealand could meet their 2021-2030 shortfall and commitment to the world. “This would only occur if Agriculture was introduced into the ETS. Agriculture needs a carrot and a stick.” Federated Farmers has suggested 15% of agriculture land is currently unproductive.

Treadwell is calling on the country to take a real stand against climate change, and ensure we immediately look at ways to reduce greenhouse gases. “Planting trees is the best way to do this in the short term and what’s more trees will continue to fix carbon throughout the growing cycle.”

“Additionally trees can help with clean water, erosion control, good health, recreation and improved biodiversity.” Mr Treadwell’s only concern is the right trees are planted in the right place. “Pine trees may not be best for the back blocks of farms, they will never be harvested due to their location, so perhaps native forest would be better in many areas. Cities too can do their bit, urban trees fix carbon as well.”

Treadwell says “I encourage all of you to plant a tree today”

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