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Momentum for Generation Zero’s Zero Carbon Act keeps growing
Momentum for Generation Zero’s Zero Carbon Act keeps growing
Youth climate change
campaigners Generation Zero have welcomed the Green
Party’s commitment to pass the Zero Carbon Act into law in
its “climate protection plan” announced
today.
“The Zero Carbon Act is vital if we are to
create a better future for young people, and we welcome the
Green Party’s commitment to this,” said Lisa McLaren,
national convenor for the Zero Carbon Act campaign.
“Global experience shows that cross-party support
is key to the success of a climate law like this, and we
will keep campaigning for that,” said Ms. McLaren. “Our
ask is to the whole of next Parliament - regardless of who
is in charge - to come together and pass the Zero Carbon
Act.”
Generation Zero’s proposed Zero Carbon Act,
based on the UK’s Climate Change Act and adapted to suit
New Zealand’s circumstances, was developed over the last
year in collaboration with experts and NGOs. It will require
governments to reduce New Zealand’s emissions year-on-year
and plan towards the long-term target of zero net carbon
emissions. Methane, a short-lived greenhouse gas, will be
treated separately.
“We decided to take things into
our own hands and develop the Zero Carbon Act because
governments over the past two decades have failed to show
leadership in addressing the biggest challenge facing all of
us right now.”
“We’re heartened to see the
Greens and Labour both broadly backing this plan and we hope
to see all political parties join them.”
The Green
Party’s announcement adds to growing support for the Zero
Carbon Act from environmental groups such as Forest & Bird
and WWF-New Zealand, 14 leading New Zealand aid agencies
including Oxfam NZ, businesses such as Z Energy, and youth political parties
including the Young Nats, Young Labour, the Young Greens and
the Young Māori Party.
Parliamentary Commissioner for
the Environment Jan Wright also recently released a report endorsing the policy framework of
the Zero Carbon Act, which received backing from
organisations such as Dairy NZ.
“It’s clear that
the time has come to implement a Zero Carbon Act, and we
look forward to more parties confirming their
support."
“We encourage all New Zealanders to sign
on to our petition to the next Parliament at www.zerocarbonact.nz.”
ENDS
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