New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador Adrian Macey has just told
delegates from 180 countries meeting in Bonn 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.
"Ambassador Macey's announcement will disappoint many countries
here at the Bonn talks, who had expected New Zealand to have a
target by now. That target is now very overdue," Greenpeace's
political advisor Geoff Keey said from Bonn.
"Greenpeace trusts this is not just another excuse for delay,
but a serious attempt to involve the public in making an ambitious
offer in the climate talks.
"At the end of March, New Zealand reneged on its promise to
deliver a target as part of the negotiations, with Ambassador Macey
saying the Government was too busy reviewing the Emissions Trading
Scheme," Mr Keey said.
"Here in Bonn, it just looks like yet another excuse from the
New Zealand Government. Someone today asked me if New Zealand was
taking the piss out of the negotiations."
Greenpeace, and a wide range of high-profile New Zealanders, are
calling for New Zealand to commit to a 2020 target of 40%. See
www.signon.org.nz. Nearly 50,000 New Zealanders have already Signed
On to the 40 by 2020 ask.
"We're already on track with our own public consultation and
hope that the Government recognises this during the coming months,"
said Keey.
In response to today's announcement by Ambassador Macey,
Greenpeace outlined conditions for a genuine consultation, saying
the Government must review its 50% by 2050 target as part of the
process.
"The 50/50 target is not enough to be our fair share, let alone
be at the level needed to avoid dangerous levels of climate
change," Mr Keey said.
The Government would also need to inform New Zealanders
that:
New science shows climate change is happening far faster than
anyone thought and that cuts by developed countries of 40% or more
are needed to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.
• Many countries want New Zealand to commit to 45% cuts by 2020,
including all of New Zealand's Pacific neighbours
• A majority of countries want New Zealand to commit to 40% cuts
by 2020
Other contacts: Geoff Keey in Bonn (please be mindful of time difference) – 021504486
Kathy Cumming, Media and Communications – 021 495 216
Notes: Preconditions for a proper consultation process
1. All targets need to be on the table, including the Government’s current 50% by 2050 target
2. The Government needs to provide information to all New Zealanders about the latest science on climate change that shows global warming should be kept below 1.5 degrees to avoid dangerous levels of climate change
3. The Government should inform all New Zealanders about the level of effort that other countries around the world are asking New Zealand to make
4. The Government should explain to New Zealanders what it will do if other countries expect New Zealand to do more than the Government is willing to agree to at Copenhagen