Stronger words on climate need to be matched with action

As Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett heads to New York to sign the first global agreement on climate change, the mood is optimistic that the Government is signalling a more ambitious approach to climate change.

Sustainable Business Council Executive Director, Abbie Reynolds said:
“When Paula Bennett arrives in New York to sign the Paris Agreement on Saturday she can feel confident she has strong support from New Zealand businesses who endorse the international ambition.

“We are looking forward to working with Government to set out a clear direction. There is plenty of work going on within leading companies to address climate change. Banks like Westpac are increasing lending for clean technology, Air New Zealand is investing in more efficient planes and electric vehicles on the ground and Z Energy is about to open a commercial-scale biodiesel plant. These are just a handful of examples. 

“Our members want to see New Zealand transition to net zero emissions by some time in the second half of the century. They also think New Zealand needs to do its bit domestically – we can’t just rely on international offsets to meet our international obligations. If we don’t front-foot climate change there will be ongoing and lengthened uncertainty for business. Businesses can’t make the right investment choices if the future settings aren’t clear.”

BusinessNZ Head of Climate Change Policy, John Carnegie said:
“Members of both the Major Companies Group and the Sustainable Business Council are actively working on how to address climate change. Businesses are sharing ideas on adaptation and mitigation, including how to accelerate the shift towards low-emission transport, greater energy efficiency and better urban infrastructure. We’re also looking at the long-term, systemic change needed for New Zealand businesses to support a goal of net zero emissions.

“It’s great that Minister Bennett has signalled stronger ambition on climate change. We’ll get the best results if Government signals its intentions early and then acts consistently. Ongoing engagement with business will be the key to making sure that we move at the right speed to get the best results.”