Todd Muller - Climate Change
30 August 2018
National’s Climate Change spokesperson Todd Muller welcomes independent research commissioned by the Parliamentary
Commissioner for the Environment that adds to the scientific base for considering New Zealand’s climate change targets.
“National is committed to ensuring that we have a sustainable economy while ensuring our environment is protected for
our children, and their children, but this should be based on science, not ideology.
“The research released today shows that reducing methane emissions by just 10 – 22 per cent will mean New Zealand’s
methane emissions have a neutral impact on global temperature.
“National believes that short-lived methane and long-lived carbon dioxide should be treated differently – as previously
recommended by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and the Productivity Commission.
“If we reduce methane by 10 – 22 per cent, and reduce all other gases to zero, it is equivalent to a 54 – 60 per cent
reduction in our total emissions which is in line with New Zealand’s existing 2050 target.
“Climate Change Minister James Shaw has said to the United Nations that New Zealand will lead on climate change by
becoming a net zero emissions economy. The Prime Minister and Mr Shaw want New Zealand to be first, fast and famous, but
the reality is climate change policy needs to be based on facts not feelings.
“The Government must ensure revising our 2050 target does not cause unneeded economic pain that does not have an
environmental benefit.
“We are working with the Government to make meaningful bi-partisan progress on climate change. National wants an
independent, non-political Climate Change Commission established so we have a framework through which we address climate
change issues in the future.”
ends