International research group condemns New Zealand’s climate target

(Wellington, 13 July) New analysis from an international research group has condemned New Zealand’s weak climate target said WWF today.

“This analysis from Climate Action Tracker shows that New Zealand’s target is well below what is needed to stop dangerous climate change, said Peter Hardstaff, WWF Head of Campaigns.

The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is an analysis undertaken by four independent European research organisations: Climate Analytics, Ecofys, NewClimate Institute and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. CAT has analysed New Zealand’s recently announced climate target of 11% reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2030.

“This analysis shows that if everyone took the approach that NZ has, the result would be a temperature rise of above 3-4°C. The likely consequence of this would see oceans acidifying, coral reefs dissolving, larger sea level rise, and massive loss of species.

“The Government’s approach of doing as little as possible is out of touch with what science demands and is out of touch with the international community.

“We are coming under increasing international scrutiny. By failing to act on climate, the Government is putting our global reputation and the planet at risk.

“The Government is also out of touch with New Zealanders from all walks of life who have been demanding real climate action.

“99% of people who submitted on the climate target wanted real action, the Government has ignored them and gone with a target that only 0.3% of submitters supported.

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