New data released by the Green Party today shows that New Zealand is contributing far less than other comparable countries to a fund that helps developing countries combat climate change.
This revelation comes amidst significant climate talks taking place this week in Bonn, and shows New Zealand’s pledge to the Green Climate Fund sits at just NZ$0.88 per person, compared to the average pledge of NZ$12.46.
“The Green Climate Fund is one of the most important ways that developed nations will help poorer nations adapt to climate change,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.
“Not only are we failing to do our fair share of emissions reductions in New Zealand, we’re holding back developing countries that rely on assistance to adapt to climate change.
“Even Australia has pledged more than 14 times as much as us per person, while the UK has pledged 32 times as much - $28.52 per person.
“Under National there’s this pitiful pattern of doing the bare minimum. If we want to do our bit and be a responsible global player, we just have to do more.
“Response to climate disasters such as typhoon Koppu in the Philippines, as well as clean technology initiatives in developing countries, would come from this fund.
“The Green Climate Fund will have the capacity to help real people in real countries all over the world, but the National Government just doesn’t understand that we have a part to play.
“Even when we broaden the scope and look at all of our climate change related aid, including our initiatives in the Pacific, we contribute just a quarter of the amount most other developed countries do.
“First our emissions target, now our financial commitments? New Zealanders deserve a climate plan we can be proud of – and this just doesn’t suffice.
“I encourage New Zealand to step up in advance of the Bonn discussion around the Green Climate Fund, which will occur on Thursday.
“There are real lives at stake,” said Mr. Shaw.
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