Press Release
8 November 2006
immediate

This critically important new book, “Confronting Climate Change: Critical Issues for New Zealand” is based on a major climate change conference held in March this year. Al Gore’s visit to NZ on 14 November will only heighten New Zealanders’ interest in the subject of climate change and this is the considered and reputable book that we need to help us tackle this huge issue. The overwhelming message is one of urgency, but also optimism: it is not too late to make a difference!

The debate on the science is over. Climate change is real; it is happening even faster than previously thought and it is powerfully influenced by human activities.

As events like Hurricane Katrina, the shrinking of ice-caps and the calamitous 2003 European heatwave remind us, climate change is not a future threat: it already profoundly affects the world we live in. Scientific evidence shows that dangerous climate change can only be averted through concerted global action – not in 30 years’ time, but over the coming decade. Bold policies, informed public debate and decisive political leadership are critical, yet many countries – New Zealand among them – have been slow to act.

With contributions by more than 30 leading scientists and policy experts, from New Zealand and elsewhere, this book will increase public understanding about climate change and help to develop robust, effective policies. It presents the latest scientific evidence, examines the likely impacts of climate change on New Zealand and the Pacific, and outlines a range of policy solutions. It is based on a major Climate Change and Governance Conference held in Wellington in March 2006. The forward is by Tony Blair and contributors include Simon Upton, Ron Oxburgh and Kirsty Hamilton along with other internationally recognised experts.

For review copies, further information or to arrange interviews with the editors or contributors please contact Heather McKenzie ph 027 563 6531 or email heather.mckenzie@vuw.ac.nz

Title information

Confronting Climate Change
Critical Issues for New Zealand
eds. Ralph Chapman, Jonathan Boston and Margot Schwass

Publication date 14 November 2006
ISBN 0 86473 546 4
Format paperback
rrp $39.95
Science

Editors

Ralph Chapman has worked extensively on climate change issues with New Zealand government agencies and international bodies, and was part of New Zealand’s negotiating team for the Kyoto Protocol. He is Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Programme in Environmental Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.

Jonathan Boston is Professor of Public Policy and Deputy Director of the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria University. He has published widely on public management, social policy, comparative government and New Zealand politics.

Margot Schwass is a Wellington writer and editor who has worked in fields including international development, environmental policy, urban design and public sector management.

ENDS

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