Is Kyoto Worth It?

Is Kyoto Worth It?

The government should review its position as a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, said Don Nicolson, the climate change spokesman for Federated Farmers of New Zealand.

His comments follow the government saying that signing the protocol would cost New Zealand about $500 million over four years – a sharp reversal from an expected $500 million surplus due to an abundance of forest sink credits.

“The government sold the Kyoto Protocol to New Zealanders as a great and wonderful money-earner. The Climate Change Minister’s announcement yesterday suggests this is no longer the case.

"The logical conclusion is the government must urgently review whether it should remain a party to the protocol."

Farmers are wary of why it has taken the government so long to come clean on how much their decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol will cost New Zealand, Mr Nicolson said.

"No wonder there were no tax cuts in the Budget. The government obviously knew it couldn't afford them.

"Whatever the true cost of Kyoto to New Zealand, and no matter how nice the government may feel to be part of the global alliance, this accounting botch up has shaken the New Zealand public's confidence in sticking with Kyoto."

ENDS

© Scoop Media