Zero Carbon Act campaigners welcome Govt announcement
18 December 2017
Joint statement
The Zero Carbon Act campaign partners welcome the first concrete steps the Government has taken today towards strong
legislation for a safe climate future, with its announcement of the plan for developing the law and establishing an
independent climate commission.
The partner organisations - Generation Zero, WWF-New Zealand, Forest & Bird, Oxfam New Zealand and ActionStation - are urging New Zealanders to get involved and have their say in the Zero
Carbon Act consultation process.
The groups say it is good to know the Government’s roadmap for developing and passing the Zero Carbon Act, and
congratulate the Government for setting this out transparently.
The “very generous” timeframe will give plenty of time for evidence and views to be considered and a cross-party
consensus to be formed, ensuring the Zero Carbon Act is built to last.
“We’re very excited for all New Zealanders to have the opportunity to get involved in creating this vital law which will
guide New Zealand’s transition to a zero carbon future,” said Generation Zero’s campaign convenor Lisa McLaren.
“It's a good opportunity for people to have their voices heard to ensure we have strong and robust laws to ensure a safe
climate future for everyone,” says ActionStation spokesperson Rick Zwaan.
“We know it’s 100% possible for New Zealand to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Kiwis up and down the country are
rising to the challenge, in their lives and work. The Zero Carbon Act will be essential in giving everyone, and New
Zealand businesses especially, the certainty and predictability they need to make smart, future-proof decisions,” says
WWF-New Zealand campaigner David Tong.
“It’s critical everyone gets behind this and makes sure politicians from across Parliament know that climate change is
one issue New Zealanders are not prepared to take risks with. You've only got to look at the two reports released last
Friday, highlighting the vulnerability to climate change of not only billions of dollars worth of infrastructure, but
also people and of nature, to see why this is so critical,” says Forest & Bird climate advocate Adelia Hallett.
“Oxfam supports this considered and thoughtful timeline. This must be legislation that has full cross-party support and
will be an Act of Parliament that will hold our current and future generation of leaders to account,” says Oxfam New
Zealand Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier.
ENDS