NZ Should Apologise to Pacific for Weak Emissions Target

Monday, 2 September 2013, 3:56 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

New Zealand Should Apologise to Pacific for Weak Emissions Target - Generation Zero

John Key should apologise to the Marshall Islands and other Pacific nations for announcing an unrealistically low greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, says youth climate change group Generation Zero.

Prime Minister John Key will tomorrow lead a New Zealand Government delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum in the Republic of Marshall Islands.

Marshall Islands Minister, Tony de Brum last week labelled New Zealand’s 2020 emissions target “meaningless” and called on both New Zealand and Australia to take a more active role in leading the Pacific’s battle against climate change.

Generation Zero spokesperson Paul Young agrees; “New Zealand can and should be leading the way on reducing emissions in the Pacific region and setting an example to our Pacific neighbours.”

The Marshall Islands is a nation of 55,000 people made up of 29 atolls standing an average two metres above sea level, and is on the frontline of the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise.

“Places like the Marshall Islands illustrate first-hand the urgent need for New Zealand to take action reducing emissions, to give our Pacific neighbours a fair and fighting chance,” says Mr Young.

“This is the first time New Zealand is taking our five percent emissions reduction target out to the region and the strong criticism from our neighbours clearly shows that the policy does not aim high enough,” says Mr Young.

Generation Zero is urging other political parties to commit to a stronger emissions reduction target in line with advice from the climate science community.

“As the current Government doesn’t seem to be listening we are calling on other political parties to show responsible leadership on this issue by pledging a stronger commitment,” says Mr Young.

The group is also challenging the Government to make its commitment real by showing how it plans to meet it.

“The latest official projections show emissions rising out to 2020 and beyond,” says Mr Young.

“New Zealand needs a comprehensive low-carbon strategy that delivers a real fair share and captures our huge opportunities to be a Pacific leader and build a clean 21st century economy.”

ENDS

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