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Momentum for Generation Zero’s Zero Carbon Act keeps growing

Momentum for Generation Zero’s Zero Carbon Act keeps growing


Youth climate change campaigners Generation Zero have welcomed the Green Party’s commitment to pass the Zero Carbon Act into law in its “climate protection plan” announced today.


“The Zero Carbon Act is vital if we are to create a better future for young people, and we welcome the Green Party’s commitment to this,” said Lisa McLaren, national convenor for the Zero Carbon Act campaign.


“Global experience shows that cross-party support is key to the success of a climate law like this, and we will keep campaigning for that,” said Ms. McLaren. “Our ask is to the whole of next Parliament - regardless of who is in charge - to come together and pass the Zero Carbon Act.”


Generation Zero’s proposed Zero Carbon Act, based on the UK’s Climate Change Act and adapted to suit New Zealand’s circumstances, was developed over the last year in collaboration with experts and NGOs. It will require governments to reduce New Zealand’s emissions year-on-year and plan towards the long-term target of zero net carbon emissions. Methane, a short-lived greenhouse gas, will be treated separately.


“We decided to take things into our own hands and develop the Zero Carbon Act because governments over the past two decades have failed to show leadership in addressing the biggest challenge facing all of us right now.”


“We’re heartened to see the Greens and Labour both broadly backing this plan and we hope to see all political parties join them.”

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The Green Party’s announcement adds to growing support for the Zero Carbon Act from environmental groups such as Forest & Bird and WWF-New Zealand, 14 leading New Zealand aid agencies including Oxfam NZ, businesses such as Z Energy, and youth political parties including the Young Nats, Young Labour, the Young Greens and the Young Māori Party.


Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Jan Wright also recently released a report endorsing the policy framework of the Zero Carbon Act, which received backing from organisations such as Dairy NZ.


“It’s clear that the time has come to implement a Zero Carbon Act, and we look forward to more parties confirming their support."


“We encourage all New Zealanders to sign on to our petition to the next Parliament at www.zerocarbonact.nz.


ENDS

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