CLIMATE CHANGE CONSULTATION PROCESS LAUNCHED
As discussed in the July 2001 edition of Envirolink, the New Zealand Government intends to ratify the Kyoto Protocol by September 2002. Under the Protocol, New Zealand will have a binding emissions target to return emissions to 1990 levels in the 2008-2012 period (or to take responsibility for any excess above 1990 levels by buying emission units (rights to emit greenhouse gases) on the international market from anyone with a surplus to sell). The Protocol will only enter into force if 55 countries (including developed countries which were responsible for 55% of developed-country carbon dioxide emissions in 1990) ratify the Protocol.
In order for New Zealand to ratify the Protocol, it is necessary for the Government to introduce specific legislation and to put in place mechanisms to meet New Zealand’s obligations. To this end, a consultation process has this week been launched to elicit information and suggestions regarding
