fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 13 July 2018 16:30

One week left to influence emissions bill

Written by 
DairyNZ climate change ambassadors. DairyNZ climate change ambassadors.

Farmers have just one week left to submit their opinions on the Zero Carbon Bill.

Climate change ambassadors for the dairy sector are urging farmers to have their say on the new 2050 emissions target the bill will set in place.

The government is asking for public feedback on three possible 2050 emission reduction targets. DairyNZ and many other primary sector organisations are supportive of a new target which will reduce carbon emissions to net zero, and stabilise methane emissions. This is an option dairy farmers can support by submitting online.

“Farmers shouldn’t be complacent about submitting their views,” says Waikato farmer George Moss. “There’s a lot of people who believe all emissions should reduce to net zero, but they don’t fully appreciate the implications this would have for the primary sector.

“We accept New Zealand farmers will need to manage and limit methane. Even though it is a relatively short lived gas its impact is relatively high compared to carbon alone.”

“New Zealand has made international commitments to reduce our emissions, the question now is how we do that,” says Taranaki farmer Trish Rankin. “The primary sector is responsible for a significant amount of New Zealand’s emissions, so the target chosen will impact how the sector operates. Stabilising methane is one option we should consider.”

The bill is out for public consultation until 19 July. Farmers can submit online here: https://submissions.mfe.govt.nz/consultations/zero-carbon-bill/make-a-submission

More like this

Featured

B+LNZ launches AI assistant for farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.

Rural contractors call for overhaul of ag vehicle rules

Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.

National

Machinery & Products