Climate change focus on the now for the future

A Labour Government will put in place a comprehensive climate change strategy focusing on both mitigation and adaptation, establish an independent Climate Commission and implement carbon budgeting, says Labour Climate Change spokesperson Moana Mackey.

"This is about future-proofing our economy. Making the transition to a low-carbon clean technology economy is not a 'nice to have' as the current Government would have us believe. It is a transition we must make and the sooner we begin, the easier that transition will be.

"We also currently have a window of opportunity to leverage our natural strengths in a world that will soon be crying out for low-carbon technologies, goods, and services. Given our international reputation in the area of renewable energy and innovation New Zealand is in a prime position to take advantage of these opportunities, yet we are being overtaken by countries like Denmark who see the dual potential for environmental and economic gains.

"The current Government has set an emissions reduction target which is unambitious and yet we are still set to overshoot it by more than 30 per cent. This is because there is currently no coordination of climate change policies. As well as a target we need a plan that shows how we intend to achieve that target and a Labour government will do just that.

“An independent Climate Commission will provide transparent advice on how to achieve significant but realistic emission reduction targets.

“Labour will restore the Emissions Trading Scheme which has been gutted by National.

"As well as fixing the ETS Labour will place a stronger emphasis on complementary measures including support for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. Our focus will be on energy efficiency, a clear strategy for forestry, and support for public transport and alternatives to road freight such as rail and coastal shipping. And we will promote research and development into reducing greenhouse gases.

"A Labour Government will take a responsible approach and build on the work of the last Labour government to put the New Zealand economy on a path to a sustainable low-carbon future,” Moana Mackey said.

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