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Climate Change Issues

Associated Ministers

18 August, 2008

Tackling climate change downunder

The Australian Government’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol last year was an important milestone. It provided greater opportunity for our countries to work together and to learn from each other, as we look for ways to bring about the changes needed.

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29 July, 2008

Sea-level on the rise - time to plan for it

The latest science highlights the need for local bodies to plan for changes in coastal hazards resulting from climate change

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29 July, 2008

Getting ready for the natural hazards of climate change

In planning for the future, one important component to contemplate is the impacts that climate change is likely to have, particularly for flooding and coastal hazards.

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29 July, 2008

Sharing the burden on climate change

Developed countries alone will not be able to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions. As developing country economies and emissions grow in absolute and relative terms, they will, by 2020, account for more than 50 percent of global emissions.

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17 July, 2008

Australian ETS similar to New Zealand’s

The New Zealand government welcomes the Australian government’s proposal for a Carbon Pollution Reduction scheme.

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10 July, 2008

Survey should be taken with a grain of salt

A survey on climate change and emissions trading due to be released tomorrow should be treated with extreme scepticism, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.

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16 June, 2008

Minister welcomes progress on emissions trading bill

Climate Change Minister David Parker today welcomed a select committee report on legislation to establish an emissions trading scheme.

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5 June, 2008

New Zealand’s role in de-carbonising the world

We are blessed with abundant sources of renewable energy. We are a wealthy country, with a functioning democracy and a highly educated population. We have people that care about their environment. If New Zealand cannot tackle climate change, who can?

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4 June, 2008

Moving towards a balanced earth

Tonight we see the universal language of art as a catalyst for uniting people in action and thought. These artworks are a way of communicating climate change that moves beyond the traditional realm of science. This exhibition will raise awareness. It will stimulate discussion about climate change. It should inspire audiences and motivate them to take action on moving towards a balanced Earth.

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4 June, 2008

Art for the Environment inspiring action on climate change

Climate Change Minister David Parker says he is delighted to open the United Nations Art for the Environment exhibition today as part of World Environment Day 2008 celebrations being hosted in New Zealand.

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27 May, 2008

Helping New Zealand prepare for climate change

Climate change is real, and we now know more about how it will affect New Zealand, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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27 May, 2008

The global challenge of a changing climate

With forethought and preparation, we can maximise the opportunities and minimise the risks associated with climate change.

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22 May, 2008

Investing in sustainable homes and communities

Budget 2008 builds on work already underway to help New Zealanders use our resources wisely, and protect our precious natural environment

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12 May, 2008

Clean green energy important to Rio Tinto

The Labour-led government has already moved to address concerns over the Emissions Trading Scheme legislation raised by Rio Tinto today at select committee, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.

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6 May, 2008

ETS move would allow extended support for exporters

A proposed change to the emissions trading scheme framework would offer extended support to businesses under the provisions of the emissions trading scheme, as we transition to a low-carbon economy, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.

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2 May, 2008

Emissions trading scheme has to be fair and effective

The overall message from economic reports released this week on the emissions trading scheme is that it must be both fair and effective, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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30 April, 2008

Emissions trading is effective and affordable

A summary of economic modelling shows emissions trading is an effective approach to reducing New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions in the long term, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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29 April, 2008

Emissions trading also good for air, water and land

An independent report finds the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme will produce important benefits for air, water and land, as well as for the climate. There will also be some challenges to manage.

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18 April, 2008

Allocation issues important in emissions trading talks

Designing an emissions trading scheme which effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions while being fair to industry is an important matter which requires careful consideration, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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18 April, 2008

Figures for 2006 greenhouse gas emissions released

The latest annual greenhouse gas inventory report shows New Zealand’s emissions rose less than one per cent between 2005 and 2006.

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2 April, 2008

Consultation on climate change measures continues

Climate Change Minister David Parker has welcomed the start of the next round of public engagement on the Labour-led government’s important climate change policy of emissions trading.

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28 February, 2008

Deforestation policy not as simple as it appears

The Labour-Progressive Government today welcomed the contribution to the climate change policy debate from the ‘Flexible Land Use Alliance’ but warned that the issues are not as straightforward as the group portrays.

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13 February, 2008

Govt releases draft regulations for emissions trading

A draft of the emissions trading regulations for forestry and liquid fossil fuels was released today by Climate Change Minister David Parker and Forestry Minister Jim Anderton.

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5 February, 2008

Minister rejects scaremongering climate change report

A newly-released report on emissions trading is just scaremongering from groups that have an interest in seeing greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise

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19 December, 2007

Government car choice is a win for sustainability

A move by the Department of Internal Affairs to a more environmentally-friendly choice of car will mean more savings for taxpayers over time,

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19 December, 2007

New VIP cars are a move in the right direction

It’s churlish to criticise the Department of Internal Affairs for taking steps towards sustainability

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12 December, 2007

Building the global carbon market

Climate Change Minister talks on the International Carbon Action Partnership

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12 December, 2007

A new approach to addressing deforestation

Climate Change Minister David Parker speech for New Zealand's Statement to the Joint High Level Segment COP, Bali

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7 December, 2007

Trans-Tasman business conference for NZ in 2008

A major Australasian business conference on climate change will be held Auckland next year, supported by the New Zealand government, Climate Change Minister David Parker announced today.

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6 December, 2007

Launch of register for Kyoto units

The New Zealand Emission Unit Register went live today as part of New Zealand’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change Minister David Parker announced.

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