NZ’s Responsibilities Under Kyoto Protocol

The agricultural sector generates over half of all NZ’s greenhouse gas emissions. Most emissions in this sector are methane and nitrous oxide, and current indications suggest these are close to 1990 levels. However, changing livestock dynamics and animal performance may see levels increase up to 15% by 2010.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, NZ will have to limit its levels of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels. If this target is not attained by 2008 and maintained through 2012, any excess emissions are our responsibility.

Where targets have been exceeded, NZ can buy emission units on the international emissions trading market. Alternatively, excess emissions can be compensated with sink credits. Sink credits can be derived from sectors able to absorb greenhouse emissions, such as forestry.

Due to current and projected future growth in NZ’s total greenhouse emissions since 1990, the challenge for NZ will be to balance any purchase of emission units against domestic programmes for the reduction of emission levels.

More: www.climatechange.govt.nz
22nd April 2003