7 July 2015

New Zealand’s climate change target confirms New Zealand not doing our fair share

Minister for Climate Change Tim Groser’s announcement today of New Zealand’s climate target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 confirms New Zealand is not doing its fair share to address the issue of climate change.

“The emission targets announced this afternoon will ensure that New Zealand continues to shirk responsibility for doing our fair share in tackling emissions reductions,” said the New Zealand Youth Delegation Spokesperson Francisco Hernandez.

Mr. Hernandez was referring to the release of the New Zealand INDC, by Tim Groser earlier today.

“New Zealand needs to embrace the opportunities offered by transitioning to a climate safe future by setting a target that means we do our fair share.” said Mr. Hernandez.

“Developed countries with a similar profile to New Zealand - with a thriving agricultural export sector and a strong renewable energy sector such as Denmark - have been able to set a target of 40% under 1990 levels by 2020. We can and should do better than the target of 11% by 1990 levels that we’ve set.”

The target of 11% by 1990 levels by 2030 means that New Zealand is falling well below the IPCC recommended target of 40-70% drop in emissions by 2050. New Zealand currently emits more than three times its share of global emissions per capita and is the fifth largest emitter among the OECD countries.

“It is alarming that with so many leaders such as Pope Francis calling on countries to do their fair share, that the New Zealand Government is choosing to sit on the bench,” said Mr. Hernandez.

“The announced climate target of 11% by 1990 levels falls far short of New Zealand doing our fair share. We need to be doing more to embrace the opportunities offered by transitioning to a climate-safe future.”

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