Public consultation on greenhouse targets

The public will be consulted on greenhouse gas emissions targets, after a surprise Government announcement at an overseas conference.

New Zealand's climate change ambassador, Adrian Macey, told a United Nations climate conference in Bonn, Germany, yesterday that New Zealand had been improving data collection and using economic modelling and analysis to help with greenhouse-gas reduction targets.

"We are also undertaking a public consultation process," Macey told the 3000 conference delegates.

Greenpeace New Zealand political advisor Geoff Keey, who is in Bonn, told The Press it was the first time he had heard of the consultation plans.

"Quite frankly, I was really surprised the Government makes such an announcement in Bonn, half a world away."

Keey said consultation should have been done months ago. New Zealand's wider political objectives like trade agreements could suffer because of its lack of commitment, he said.

Minister for Climate Change Issues Nick Smith confirmed yesterday work was being done on public consultation, but refused to offer detail.

"The Government will consult with the public prior to setting medium-term targets in August," the minister's spokesman said. "No announcements have been made."

Smith said two weeks ago it would be "reckless" for New Zealand to make a commitment to cuts without a firm idea of what was achievable.

Political opponents were cautious not to criticise the consultation, but said New Zealand risked a backlash for perceived foot-dragging on addressing climate change.

Iceland yesterday confirmed its target for cutting carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. Japan is expected to do so this week. That will leave New Zealand and Russia as the only nations yet to announce 2020 targets.

Labour's climate change spokesman, Charles Chauvel, welcomed the consultation, but said it should be balanced with the perception New Zealand was reluctant to act.

The Government has already scrapped plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs, and overturned a ban on thermal power plants and laws forcing a move towards biofuels.

New Zealand should be careful to protect its clean, green image or risk a consumer-led backlash, particularly from well-off European tourists, he said.

"There's going to come a time, if we're not very careful, where we're going to be seen as not willing to take any action in this area."

The Government has already cited a select committee review of the emissions trading scheme and delays in gathering satellite data about forest cover as reasons for putting off settling on targets.

- © Fairfax NZ News