NZ Emissions Policy: NZ Signs Copenhagen - But Is Aust Plan Better?
February 12th, 2010
NZ has signed the Copenhagen accord, reaffirming its basic global climate change pledge of a conditional emissions reduction target in the range of 10%-20% below 1990 levels by 2020. John Key described the formal move, required by Feb 1 if NZ is to retain good faith with the UN-led climate change negotiation process, as “a constructive step forward toward developing a comprehensive global view on climate change.”
But here’s some food for thought for the Govt. Aust Liberal leader Tony Abbott has outlined a $3.2bn plan to tackle climate change, with no cap on carbon emissions but direct action such as planting trees instead. Most business groups have backed the plan, agreeing with the Opposition Leader’s assertion it is “cheaper, simpler and more cost-effective” than Labor’s proposed carbon emissions trading scheme.
The key to the Abbott plan is a $2.5bn fund to provide incentives for industry and farmers to reduce emissions through measures such as storing carbon in soil. An Abbott Govt would plant 20 million trees by 2020. It will also provide $1000 rebates to home owners for solar cells, and investigate ways to bury powerlines, allowing for more urban tree planting. It will achieve a 5% carbon reduction.
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