New Zealand’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, as stated in our Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) (1), which became our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) after we ratified the agreement in October 2016 (2), reads as follows:
Emissions will be reduced to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. The 2005 reference has been chosen for ease of comparability with other countries. This responsibility target corresponds to a reduction of 11% from 1990 levels.
At face value, the above statement appears clear and understandable, but it is actually quite unclear because there are two accepted measures for emissions: gross or total emissions; and net emissions which are total emissions less deductions allowed for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), which in our case relate mainly to carbon dioxide taken out of the atmosphere by trees. Neither the New Zealand INDC, nor the supplementary NDC documentation, state clearly whether we are using gross emissions, net emissions, a mix of these, or some other measure to define our Paris target. Continue reading →
Northland is on everybody’s lips! To raise awareness of climate & coastal issues affecting the Far North, Kerikeri local Rob Painting is standing for election.
Rob is an passionate about our marine environments in Northland, being an avid diver. Communities up North are greatly at risk of drought and oceanic changes, since farming & the sea are a way of life up here.. Continue reading →
Climate is the elephant in the room, and Rongotai candidate Aaron Carter hit the 2nd page of the Dominion Post with his elephant costume.
This was a strong publicity statement, and Aaron delivered succinct & strong messages:
“Don’t vote for me, vote thinking about the climate”; “It’s all rearranging furniture on the Titanic as it’s sinking”, and “Learn to swim”. Continue reading →
Auckland CBD Residents’ Advisory Group organized a meeting of Ak Central candidates. Cities concentrate many big issues of transport & infrastructure, which touch on climate.
Peter Whitmore, candidate for Auckland Central, presented to the residents. They posed 6 key questions on urban issues: Continue reading →
The “Campaign for Better Transport” have long been advocates for better transport networks & commuters. Last Wednesday they held a candidate’s debate & the NZ Climate Party presented a strong message.
Transport improvements need to go well beyond just the proposed city loop. Sydneysiders make around 9 times more suburban trips as Aucklanders, per capita. Developing better cycling options, better public transport and in particular a better train system is a win-win-win way forward. Continue reading →
Wednesday 27th evening sees a candidates meeting, hosted by the Campaign for Better Transport. Commuters everywhere are tired of gridlock — but solving transport problems can benefit the climate, also. Continue reading →
Climate Party volunteers are hard at work, raising billboards in three cities. Candidates & supporters are out each weekend putting up signs.
Billboarding is progressing in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.. 73 timber-frame signs, 10 on fences, many areas covered, and more to come.
Volunteers and sites are sought, for further sign-raising. If you’re good with a hammer & timber, or know where a billboard could go, we’d like your help!
New Zealand’s newly launched Climate Party aims to make addressing climate change a much more urgent priority. The party believes that the New Zealand Government has not been taking the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions nearly seriously enough.
According to Party spokesperson, Peter Whitmore, the risks to both New Zealand and the world, if we continue down our current path, are made very clear by the World Bank Report, “Turn Down the Heat”, and by the recently released report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
“Globally, sea level rise, droughts, storms and rising temperatures are likely to cause displacement and destruction on a scale that will make the two World Wars look like minor events. This is not in the distant future. Sea level rise alone is expected to force between 50 and 200 million people to relocate by 2050. Continue reading →
Shouldn't the world's biggest issue be an election issue?
The “Campaign for Better Transport” have long been advocates for better transport networks & commuters. Last Wednesday they held a candidate’s debate & the NZ Climate Party presented a strong message.