Minister Groser's lacklustre climate leadership capped off with NZ's second Fossil of the Day award at Paris Climate Talks

09 December 2015

New Zealand has again received a Fossil of the Day award in recognition of New Zealand’s role in blocking compensation for vulnerable countries for climate change damage in the draft text for the Paris Agreement. Minister Groser’s lacklustre climate leadership was also recognized with a dishonourable mention at the event. Fossil of the Day is an award given by Climate Action Network International, a global coalition of environmental NGOs.

“New Zealand being awarded our second Fossil of the Day at the Paris Climate Talks should serve as a severe rebuke to the National Government’s attempts to block compensation for the most vulnerable and impacted communities. Compensation is absolutely critical for many developing countries, including our Pacific neighbours who will suffer from many effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. It is galling that while National gives massive handouts to big oil, they support cutting compensation from the text.” said NZYD spokesperson Natalie Jones.

“This is a fitting end to Minister Groser’s career as climate change spokesperson. Minister Groser’s career highlights include increasing New Zealand fossil fuel subsidies by 700% in less than 5 years, an ‘inadequate’ emission reduction target in the bottom 20% of national pledges, and a per capita Green Climate Fund contribution twelve times lower than the average.”

“We are heartbroken that New Zealand has won a second Fossil of the Day award by trying to leave vulnerable communities out at sea. Instead we should be future proofing the Pacific by increasing our inadequate Green Climate Fund contribution and doing all we can to make sure that our neighbours, among others, get their fair share for the damages resulting from climate change. Friends don’t let friends drown without offering a helping hand and New Zealand can and should do better. ”

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