Emissions Reduction Targets All Unaffordable
August 14th, 2009
Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) CEO Alasdair Thompson says the “40% cut by 2020′ being promoted by Greenpeace cannot be afforded by NZers, and neither can we afford the 15% reduction hinted at by Climate Change Minister Nick Smith. The ‘40% cut by 2020′ campaign trivialises the seriousness of the emissions target cuts facing all NZers.”
He says “the facts are that ‘40% by 2020′ from 1990 levels really means cuts to current emission levels of 63%; the 15% reduction could really mean cuts in current emissions of about 38%. No way is either scenario affordable without savage cuts to our standards of living. They are politically unacceptable.”
Thompson points out research by Infometrics has found if we got rid of all major industry, emissions would be reduced by 11%, if we got rid of all vehicles, emissions would be cut by 20%. If we switched entirely to renewable electricity production, we’d cut emissions by 11%. “We expect the Govt to lead a clear and affordable way through this most serious challenge, and certainly not go beyond a final commitment of cuts to emissions of 4% in 2020 to match Australia’s.”
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