Labour’s commitment to real low carbon plan welcomed

Sunday, 24 August 2014, 3:48 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Labour’s commitment to real low carbon plan welcomed - Generation Zero

The Labour Party’s climate change policy announced today has the key ingredients to deliver a real plan for a prosperous low carbon economy, says youth climate change organisation Generation Zero.

The policy includes commitment to introduce legislation which would establish an independent Climate Commission and enact a formal carbon budgeting process to ensure New Zealand achieves ‘significant emissions reduction targets’.

Generation Zero is one of several organisations that have advocated for such moves. In July, the group released a report, The Big Ask: One Key Step for Real Climate Action, laying out the case for New Zealand to adopt a new climate change law based on the UK Climate Change Act 2008.

Spokesperson Paul Young said carbon budgeting legislation is “the fundamental step New Zealand needs to take to bring honesty, integrity and transparency to our climate change response.”

“Done right, it will deliver real emissions reduction targets, by enshrining these in domestic law which cannot be ignored; real answers, by establishing an expert Climate Commission to tell the truth free from spin; and real action, by requiring the government to produce robust plans showing how it will deliver on its promises.

“The UK’s Climate Change Act has been successful in ensuring the country is on track to meet its strong target of reducing emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

“Under current policies New Zealand’s emissions are projected to keep growing and dramatically overshoot the reduction targets our government has promised the world it will deliver. This is not only irresponsible to young generations who will pay the huge cost of delay, it’s dishonest and damaging to our reputation.

“We applaud Labour for acknowledging that New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on the shift to a clean low carbon economy and promising to make it happen.

“New Zealand needs cross-party commitment to a real low carbon plan.”

“Policy commitments made by Labour and other opposition parties have given voters a clear choice in contrast with the Government’s current policy mix leading our country to increasing carbon pollution and growing dependence on fossil fuels.”

ENDS

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