Tuesday, 14 May 2019 09:43

Mixed reaction to Govt’s climate change bill

Written by  Peter Burke
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Climate Change Minister James Shaw launching the Bill last weeek. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Climate Change Minister James Shaw launching the Bill last weeek.

Farmer reaction is mixed to the Government’s Zero Carbon Amendment Bill introduced into Parliament last week.

While most go along with the principle of reducing greenhouses gases, there is some angst about the targets set by the Government in the Bill.

The Bill sets a target of reducing all greenhouse gases, except biogenic methane, to net zero by 2050. 

It also seeks to reduce emissions of biogenic methane to a range of 24% to 47% below 2017 levels by 2050, including reducing these to 10% below 2017 levels by 2050. 

Also, the Government plans to set up an independent Climate Change Commission which will advise, monitor and review the targets on an ongoing basis.   

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says climate change is now front and centre of awareness in New Zealand -- the biggest challenge facing NZ. She says NZer’s have demanded action and the Bill is actioning that call.

“This legislation makes a start on tackling climate change because the alternative is the catastrophic cost of doing nothing. Agriculture is of course incredibly important to NZ  but it also needs to be a part of the solution,” she says.

Ardern says in developing the legislation they have listened to the science and the industry and the result is a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the need to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst impact of climate change.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw says the Bill makes this target legally binding and says NZ is one of the few countries in the world to do this. 

At the news conference at Parliament, James Shaw praised opposition leader Simon Bridges and Todd Muller, National’s spokesman on climate change for their support in developing the Bill. 

He says this means there is an enduring commitment to dealing with climate change.

More like this

The politics of climate change

OPINION: The Financial Times, a major international newspaper, featured New Zealand on its front page at the beginning of June. It wasn't for the right reasons.

Featured

Hort industry dishes out awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Manuka honey trader posts sour results

Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Dreams aren't plans

OPINION: Milking It reckons if you're National, looking at recent polls, the dream scenario is that the elusive economic recovery…

Fatberg

OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter