1 May 2006
Forestry climate change policy debate welcome
The Minister of Forestry, Jim Anderton, has welcomed a pamphlet produced by the forestry industry suggesting ideas for
climate change policy.
"However, it is disingenuous to suggest that forest plantings are falling due to the Government's climate policies when
planting has been reducing since before Kyoto was signed and it is well known that the relative profitability of
pastoral farming, particularly dairying, is driving a shift in land-use away from forestry," said Jim Anderton.
"It is also misleading to claim that policies to encourage planting, even if urgently implemented, will make a
difference to our Kyoto position in the First Commitment Period. Forestry will play a useful role in combating future
climate change but it will be of limited value in reducing New Zealand's liability in the short-term," said Jim
Anderton.
"Climate change is much more than just the Kyoto Protocol and the Government is looking beyond to the much larger issue
of an increasingly unstable climate and the effects this will have on a New Zealand economy so heavily reliant on
primary production," said Jim Anderton.
"The Government is particularly seized with the climate change issue and is devoting significant resources to developing
policy. Right now departments across government have dedicated staff working hard on a comprehensive policy package.
Issues affecting the forestry sector have been identified for specific attention and the sorts of ideas put forward by
the foresters are being considered," said Jim Anderton.
"It is unreasonable to expect instant answers. When considering the future of all energy generation and transport modes,
all agriculture and forestry, and the nation's future in a changing climate you are talking about the most
broad-reaching policy questions imaginable. This work will necessarily take time and needs thorough analysis and
consideration to ensure we come up with solutions that are durable," said Jim Anderton.
"I sympathise with sectors, such as forestry, that are finding the policy process frustrating. However, it is important
we get the framework right for the whole of New Zealand, now and in future. The issues might seem simple from one
sector's perspective but the interdependence of policy between sectors and modes of production raises significant and
complex issues. It is vital we get a coordinated package that is in the best interests of the future of both the New
Zealand economy and our environment," said Jim Anderton.
ENDS