Exclusive Video Interview With Climate Change Minister Released

Tuesday, 13 August 2024, 3:22 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

The Environmental Defence Society has released a video interview with Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts. The interview was held in the Minister’s office and was conducted by EDS CEO Gary Taylor last week.

“The interview is a precursor to next month’s Climate Change and Business Conference, which is being hosted by EDS, the Sustainable Business Council and the Climate Leaders Coalition,” said Mr Taylor.

“It explores some of the evolving policy settings and options for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including key topics that will be subject to deeper analysis at the 2-day Auckland conference (9-10 September).

“The Minister outlines his intentions around:

• Current and pending Nationally Determined Contributions
• The draft second Emissions Reduction Plan and required level of ambition
• The Emissions Trading Scheme
• Complementary measures
• Reviewing the 2050 targets, including for methane
• Nature-based solutions, including in the conservation estate
• The need for cross-party consensus
• Consistency with trade agreements
• Whether ‘least cost’ is the right way
• Adaptation and who pays
• Public consultation on upcoming policy changes.

“It is not a debate but does probe the Minister on the Government’s direction on climate change.

"The inverview runs for 34 minutes and is available to view via the link below," Mr Taylor concluded.

Minister Watts interviewed by Gary Taylor, CEO, EDS from Environmental Defence Society on Vimeo.

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

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