New Zealand takes lead on climate change research
11 Oct 2007
New Zealand is to take the lead in researching ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard has told a United Nations conference on climate change in New York that while technology alone can’t resolve climate change issues, New Zealand can lead in technological innovation.
The New York Conference was arranged to galvanise international political will, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali in December 2007.
''New Zealand believes that it would make sense for the world to concentrate on developing and deploying two or three core technologies which offer the greatest and most cost-effective emission reduction opportunities,'' says Mallard.
Several options include carbon capture and storage, battery technology, electric vehicles, and renewables, such as marine, advanced biofuels, and wind power.
The agricultural focus reflects both the vital role the sector plays in New Zealand’s economy and the significant contribution agriculture makes to New Zealand’s emissions profile.
Markets would also be important in driving the adoption of new technologies. ''New Zealand believes that economic instruments, such as emissions trading schemes, are critical in giving businesses financial incentives to adopt new, low carbon technologies,'' says Mallard.
In September 2007 the New Zealand Government announced a world first - a domestic emissions trading scheme that covers all economic sectors as well as all greenhouse gases.
The scheme will send a carbon price signal through the whole economy, encourage the adoption of new technology, and help set New Zealand on a low emissions pathway.
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