Wellington, 3 September 2011

European Commissioner for Climate Action visits Australia and New Zealand, 4-8 September 2011

The European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard is visiting New Zealand for the Pacific Island Forum, for meetings with the New Zealand Minister for Climate Change Issues and the Environment, the Honourable Nick Smith, and other NZ Members of Parliament. She will also have meetings with Pacific leaders.

''I look forward to discussing with our partners from the Pacific region how to move forward in the international climate talks. I equally look forward to substantial discussions with the New Zealand's government, business sector and civil society on how to continue our collaboration to face the climate challenge.'' said Hedegaard.

Commissioner Hedegaard is also visiting Australia on 4 and 5 September for talks with the Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mr Greg Combet MP, as well as Coalition and Greens Members of Parliament.

In Sydney she will address business representatives and meet with members of civil society.

Ahead of her visit to Australia, Commissioner Hedegaard said ''Australia's commitment to pricing carbon emissions and introducing a domestic cap-and-trade scheme from July 2015 is a significant step forward for international action against climate change. We would be happy to share the extensive experience we have gained with Europe's own emissions trading system, which is helping to cut our emissions at least cost.''

ENDS

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