Tuesday, 25 March 2025 13:25

Non, Paris!

Written by The Hound

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OPINION: Critics of NZ’s commitment to the Paris Accord, such as Groundswell and others, continue to push for an exemption for ag, arguing that the threat of trade retaliation is more hypothetical than real.

“In short, the idea of widespread trade sanctions or the dismantling of the deal is highly unlikely,” says Groundswell.

"People buy our products… because we efficiently produce high quality food at competitive prices. Our trade, even our trade with the EU, is not dependent on the Paris Agreement."

The Hound reckons that in the new world order, they might be right. Bill Gates, once a major force in climate advocacy, has shut down the policy and advocacy office of his nonprofit, Breakthrough Energy, laying off dozens of employees, now that Trump and co. plan to pull grants to climate nonprofits.

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As Stuff notes, “It wasn’t the Playboy cover which caused offence. No, it was the back page which… featured an advert for a cigarette brand”.

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