Environment: Taking responsibility on emissions

National believes New Zealand must do our fair share to reduce carbon emissions. Delaying the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is not in New Zealand’s best interests.

We have moderated the ETS established under Labour by scaling back the impacts on carbon emitters. The changes to Labour’s scheme will halve the cost for families and businesses.

Without an ETS, New Zealand would continue to see more deforestation and a reduction in tree planting. New data shows that the ETS has reversed the trend towards reforestation.

There will be a formal review of the ETS in 2011. Part of that review will look at progress by our major trading partners. If progress is lagging, the review may recommend changes to the ETS.

National believes that we have a role to play in tackling climate change. We hosted the inaugural meeting of the Global Research Alliance this month (April), and provided $45 million of funding over four years. We’ve also allocated $50 million over 10 years for the Centre for Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research to help reduce on-farm carbon emissions. And we’ve invested $347 million in a home insulation scheme to help families save on energy costs.

With these initiatives, and the ETS, National will continue to balance New Zealand’s economic opportunities with our environmental responsibilities.