New Zealand's Abysmal Emission Record

Since November 2008 the New Zealand Government has either cancelled or gutted several pieces of climate friendly legislation and replaced them with environmentally weak ones. This regime has included changing an existing Emissions Trading Scheme in such a way that the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment says it will not now achieve its measly target.

At a time when we should be reducing emissions, the New Zealand Government seems to be intent on heading in the opposite direction. It is using funds earmarked for public transport to build new roads and is changing legislation to allow the construction of coal fired power stations. Also under consideration is the drilling for oil and gas in a World Heritage National Park.

Green initiatives, put in place by previous administrations and were strongly opposed by this National Party at the time of introduction, have since been removed. Now, this government is blaming its predecessor for the country's abysmal emission record.

The New Zealand negotiators arrived at Copenhagen seeking concessions that would permit the country to emit more greenhouse gasses with lesser penalties, instead of bringing offers to make meaningful reductions.

It's no wonder that at Copenhagen, New Zealand was presented a dishonor from the NGO, Climate Action Network - a cup filled with coal and adorned with a toy dinosaur.

Furthermore, the annual Climate Change Performance Index, has dropped New Zealand nine places to 55th out of sixty major countries. Below China, the USA, and Malaysia.

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