Climate Change Issues 

Minor tinkering prevents National support for ETS

04.09.2008

Revelations in this morning's New Zealand Herald that National's only plans for the Emissions Trading Scheme are to tinker around the edges provide further evidence that the scheme is sound, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.

"We've heard a lot of bluster from National about how they can't possibly support the scheme, but when it comes to discussing the detail, it's clear that the only changes they would like to implement are some very mild tinkering."

National's Environment spokesman Nick Smith  more +

Huge boost for energy efficiency in climate package

27.08.2008

A one billion dollar household energy efficiency fund, a one-off electricity rebate to all New Zealand households, and a targeted one off cash payment are part of a substantial climate change package announced by the government today.

The energy initiatives will help New Zealanders use less energy and assist them to pay their power bills in a world where energy prices are increasing, Climate Change and Energy Minister David Parker said. 

"We are establishing a one billion dollar fund to help New Zealanders make the...  more +

Australian ETS similar to New Zealand’s

17.07.2008

The New Zealand government welcomes the Australian government's proposal for a Carbon Pollution Reduction scheme, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today.

"It is a very positive sign that the Australians are introducing an emissions trading scheme on a similar timeframe to New Zealand. ...  more +

Tackling climate change downunder

18.08.2008

The Australian Government’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol last year was an important milestone. It provided greater opportunity for our countries to work together and to learn from each other, as we look for ways to bring about the changes needed. Both of our countries are moving to establish emissions trading schemes. This will be a cornerstone of our responses to climate change. It will see the cost of greenhouse gas emissions reflected in our economies, into all investment decisions. Increases in emissions cost. Lower emissions are rewarded. To be efficient an emissions trading scheme must create a marginal cost for increases in emissions and a marginal benefit for decreases. Both our schemes do this.

Address at the opening of the 4th Australia and New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference

5.45pm, 18 August 2008

Sky<...  more +