Government's 50 by 50 target 'totally inadequate', WWF

WWF today branded the government's -50 by 50 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target as 'totally inadequate' as the Minister for Climate Change Issues, Nick Smith, announced it will be brought into law today, speaking at the Climate Change Research Institute Forum at Te Papa.

"The proposed New Zealand target of a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050 is well short of this country's fair share," said Peter Hardstaff, WWF-New Zealand Climate Change Programme Manager. "The science tells us we need to reduce emissions by at least 80% below 1990 levels if we are to head off runaway climate change. The science is clear; now is the time for action not empty promises," said Mr. Hardstaff.

Based on evidence collected up to 2005, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - the world's foremost scientific body on climate change - showed that , to avoid runaway climate change, by 2050 industrialised countries need to cut emissions 80% below 1990 levels (the standard base-year used in climate negotiations). Rich countries, such as New Zealand, have a responsibility to act on the science and take action to cut emissions.

Mr Hardstaff said the 2050 target will aim to be delivered in 39 years time - 13 elections away. He called on the Government to set emissions reduction milestones every three to five years between now and 2050: "Today's politicians won't be in Parliament to face public scrutiny on whether the target has been achieved. The target is therefore meaningless in the absence of a clearly defined trajectory with milestones, and the policies to achieve these milestones."

WWF said many of the government's current policies are setting New Zealand on a path to increase rather than reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as allowing Solid Energy, a state owned enterprise, to proceed with plans to convert lignite (the most inefficient coal) into liquid fuel. If liquid fuel from lignite replaces diesel from crude oil, this could increase New Zealand's total emissions by as much as 10%.

"New Zealand is ignoring common sense policies that are being implemented in countries around the world," said Mr Hardstaff. "Vehicle fuel economy standards have been implemented in many countries (the 27 countries of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, China, Japan and South Korea) yet NZ rejected it in 2009."

"Cutting global CO2 emissions, including New Zealand's, to safe levels is achievable. But it requires action from us all: individuals, businesses and government. And the quicker we act the better."

Media contacts: Jenny Riches WWF-New Zealand Marketing & Communications Manager, tel: 04 4714288 / 0274477158

About WWF
WWF-New Zealand is part of WWF, the global conservation organization. WWF-New Zealand works to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Through WWF's global reach, local presence and scientific rigour, it establishes innovative partnerships and seeks ambitious solutions for a living planet. For more information, visit wwf.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media