Forget the flag - let’s talk climate change

Thursday, 7 May 2015, 3:52 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Forget the flag - let’s talk climate change

Youth climate change group Generation Zero has welcomed the Government’s announcement of consultation on New Zealand’s post-2020 climate change commitments but criticised the lack of information provided.

“We are pleased that New Zealanders will have a chance to express their views on climate change action to the Government through written submissions and public meetings,” said Generation Zero spokesperson, Paul Young.

“Forget about the flag - this will be the most important consultation this year and Kiwis who care about the future young people are inheriting should make sure they have their say.”

“This is the first real opportunity in six years that Kiwis have been given to talk with the Government about its overall climate change response."

"A four-week consultation period is nowhere near long enough for such an important national debate, so we are also pleased to see Minister Groser promising a longer conversation about domestic policies.

“However, we are very disappointed by the lack of evidence and background information the Government has provided."

"For example, why is there no bottom-up analysis of what could be done to reduce our emissions?"

“The discussion document makes a number of claims about cost but we have no idea what assumptions have been made. Does this consider the cost of doing nothing, or the benefits of a cleaner economy?"

“The Government needs to front up and release all of the analysis and modelling to give us the fair, open and well-informed discussion we deserve."

ENDS

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