I'm the Greenpeace Political Adviser in NZ and right now I'm in Bonn for the latest round of UN climate talks in the lead up to Copenhagen in December. These meetings are the first steps in what are the most crucial negotiations of our time. I'll be keeping you up to date with how it goes.
Is New Zealand taking the piss?
That was the question someone asked of me today about New Zealand's approach to the climate change negotiations.
After months of procrastination, New Zealand has announced to delegates here at Bonn that it will offer a 2020 target for cuts in greenhouse gas pollution, but not yet.
Two months ago, New Zealand was supposed to offer a target and it's now one of only a few countries that are still holding out. It's getting to be a pretty lonely position. One of the other laggards - Iceland - announced its proposed target today, although it's fairly pathetic, earning it a Fossil of the Day award.
The other news is in today's announcement by New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador Adrian Macey is that the Government will consult New Zealanders on setting an emissions reduction target for 2020. It plans to consult between now and August, then announce the target.
I hope this is not just another excuse for delay, but a serious attempt to involve the public in making an ambitious offer in the climate change talks
When New Zealand reneged on its promise to deliver a target to the Bonn climate change negotiations at the end of March, Ambassador Macey offering the excuse that the Government and Parliament was too busy reviewing the Emissions Trading Scheme.
I also attended the last round of negotiations in Bonn and posted similar updates to the Greenpeace NZ blog if you're interested in some recent background.