Have your say on Climate Change Commission’s historic report
The Climate Change Commission has released its first report on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa in line with limiting global heating to 1.5 degree Celsius, and is inviting public feedback until March 28. What does this mean for you? The report has implications for all parts of our lives in the NelsonTasman region. Coal, diesel and gas are used in many of our industries, including dairy, glasshouses, manufacturing, and even to make our beer. These industries will need to switch to renewable energy, or cease operation. How we move around will change. READ MORE: * Get on board early with global carbon markets to get the best deal * Government takes to the airwaves, promising big change on climate policy * 'The Government will not hold back': Jacinda Ardern on how NZ could go zero carbon To electrify transport we will need to share electric vehicles and cycle or walk, so councils will need to develop safe vehicle-separate commuter cycleways for workers and students, whether these be new infrastructure or converting existing roads for use by cyclists rather than cars. Our urban areas will become higher density, compact, and pedestrianised. Finally, there is likely to be a reduction in livestock agriculture and increased replanting of indigenous forest, especially on sloping land in sensitive watersheds. About the Climate Change Commission The Commission is an independent group of seven experts in fields such as climate science, governance, economics, te ao Maori, energy, and agriculture, appointed by the government under the Zero Carbon Act and tasked with advising the government on how to meet its emissions targets. After public consultation, the final report will be presented to government by 31 May. The Government then has until December 31 to decide whether to accept the commissions advice or draft its own plan to achieve net zero emissions. Contents of the report The report includes the first three 5-year emissions budgets through to 2035 and advice on the policies needed to meet the budgets, how the budgets will influnece our lives, whether to increase our Paris Agreement target, and reducing biogenic methane. A separate report provides an outline of the evidence used to develop recommendations and advice. Main recommendations of the report The report states the need for transformational and lasting change across society and the economy. It notes that our current policies are inadequate and we will miss our climate targets unless we start to decarbonise and reduce emissions now. The commission focuses on the uptake of electric vehicles, increased generation of renewable energy, a phasing out of fossil fuel for heating and industry, the use of biomass and hydrogen fuel, and modest reductions in biogenic methane via improved farm management practices. The main tool for reducing carbon emissions is the cap-and-trade Emissions Trading Scheme, and the report recommends a sinking cap on emissions, in line with the emissions budgets, as well as a higher price range for carbon than currently allowed. The Commission recommends that we ban imports of fossil fuel vehicles before 2035. Criticism of the report The Climate Change Commissions report has been criticised because the recommended actions are largely directed toward maintaining business as usual rather than being transformational, and it has a narrow focus. To create a sustainable society and protect life on Earth, in addition to tackling climate change we will need to restore biodiversity and ecosystems, protect freshwater, start rewilding our land, and reimagine our systems of transport, energy, tourism, and food production. Make a submission The Climate Change Commission is asking for public submissions via an online form on their website ( climatecommission.govt.nz ). You can send a pre-prepared submission or complete their survey to provide feedback on six big issues (e.g., the pace of change, future generations, and policy priorities to reduce emissions) and provide answers to specific questions relating to topics such as the commissions approach, budget numbers, and key actions to reduce emissions. Alternatively, you can contribute your voice to one of many group submissions being prepared nationwide, such as a survey being conducted by Parents for Climate Aotearoa at parentsforclimatenz.org .