EDS calls for a better process on climate change target

Wednesday, 3 June 2015, 3:36 pm
Press Release: EDS

EDS calls for a better process on climate change target

In its submission filed today on New Zealand’s proposed Intended National Determined Contribution (INDC) or climate change target, EDS has called for a more meaningful process than that on offer. Submissions close at 5.00 pm today.

“Our view is that the submission process is not going to deliver any sensible outcome,” said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

“What is happening is that there will be large numbers of submissions calling for either more or less robust targets for 2025 or 2030, depending on the interests of the submitter. The process has been set up to polarize submitters into taking extreme positions one way or the other.

“We favour a more deliberative and intelligent approach where key stakeholders engage in a collaborative process supported by good science, economics and social impact specialists.

“We have called this the Climate Change Collaborative Group.

“The Group would be tasked with examining New Zealand’s unique greenhouse gas profile, identifying and evaluating pathways to a low carbon future and come up with a credible target that is both a stretch and also demonstrably achievable.

The Group would consist of a cross-section of affected stakeholders including industry, generators, the agricultural sector and those representing the community and the environment.

“The terms of reference for the Group should include the provision of carefully considered advice on what New Zealand should offer in its INDC and should also design a pathway towards it with time-bound interim targets and a monitoring method that is credible. It should be tasked with recommending policy responses to assist in meeting the targets including adjustments to the ETS and the development of refreshed and additional policy measures.

“We note that the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (without any exchange of ideas between us) has come up with a remarkably similar proposition.

“We need to get beyond simplistic consultation and politically convenient obfuscation into a sound and measured dialogue on New Zealand’s response to the climate change challenge,” Mr Taylor concluded.

ENDS

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

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