The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s latest report released today reinforces the need for the Government to take climate change seriously, the Green Party said.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s latest report released today reinforces the need for the Government to take climate change seriously, the Green Party said.
The report, Changing Climate and Rising Seas, released today summarises the science around climate change and focuses on sea level rise.
“We need to do our fair share to reduce emissions, and we need to start before we lock in further sea level rises,” said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.
“Most New Zealanders would be shocked to hear the National Government is planning on increasing our greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent in the next decade.
“When it comes to hitting our climate change targets, it’s like the Minister responsible is playing darts facing the wrong way.
“While China and the USA signalled their intention to take action to reduce emissions, the National Government’s plans to increase emissions leave New Zealand isolated.
“We need a plan to meet our emission reduction targets, instead of a plan to increase emissions,” said Dr Norman.
“The Government is also missing in action when it comes to supporting and providing guidance to local councils to deal with rising sea levels,” said Green Party local government spokesperson Eugenie Sage.
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