20 May 2008
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Delaying the emissions trading scheme
The following academics are available to comment on the emissions trading scheme, and the recent withdrawal of support
for the scheme by the National Party.
Professor Martin Manning, inaugural Director of the Climate Change Research Institute
Professor Jonathan Boston, Director of the Institute of Policy Studies
Associate Professor Ralph Chapman, Director of the Environmental Studies Programme
The group says there are several arguments why the legislation should not be deferred:
"First, National’s approach risks delaying the introduction of market incentives for emission reduction by several
years. Yet there is strong scientific evidence pointing to the need for urgent global action to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Further delay by New Zealand and other countries in addressing the problem of human-induced climate change
increases the risks of serious, irreversible impacts to key biophysical systems and major threats to people in
vulnerable locations.
“Second, delaying the legislation risks another lengthy process of policy analysis, submissions and decision making
which will increase business uncertainty and impose additional cost on taxpayers. It may also increase the risk in
future of panic measures which could be more costly to the economy than market incentives. Delay does not reduce the
cost of complying with the Kyoto Protocol; it simply means the taxpayer bears the cost, rather than emitters who are
better placed to reduce emissions.
“Third, delay will damage our international position. Not having an ETS in place until, say, late 2010 will undermine
New Zealand’s negotiating position in the current international negotiations on a new global climate change agreement.
“Lastly, if National has specific concerns with the current legislation it is in a position to negotiate over these with
the Labour-led government and other parties.”
“To sum up, New Zealand has been prevaricating for over a decade. We are not in danger of being a first mover, because
many other countries have already taken action, or have proposals under active consideration. We need to act now, and
the ETS is our best bet for moving forward.”
ENDS