Farmers see some positives in Government approach to climate change
As public consultation on the Government's plan to tackle climate change gets underway, there are some positives for farmers, organisations representing them say. Climate Change Minister James Shaw launched consultation on the proposed Zero Carbon Bill in Auckland on Thursday and began a nationwide series of public meetings in Whangarei on Friday. Shaw said consultation aimed to answer several important climate policy-related questions, including whether all gases that caused climate change should be treated the same, or be weighted differently based on whether they cause short-term or long-term warming. READ MORE: * Climate change: Government wants public views on fighting it * Expert panel critical of government's climate change planning * Farmer involvement crucial for Zero Carbon Bill Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard said it was a positive that the discussion document recognised methane from livestock as a recycling, not accumulating, greenhouse gas. "Methane has a half-life of around 12 years, whereas carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years," Hoggard said. "The alternatives the ministry has called for feedback on includes the valid and practical option of stabilising emissions of short-lived gases, including methane, while pushing for net zero long-lived gases, including nitrous oxide, by 2050." Kiwi farmers had responded to constant land use, and the country's agriculture sector and research into reducing emissions on farms were considered leading edge, Hoggard said. "The research into mitigations is ongoing but we are yet to produce any 'silver bullet' options that will create a dramatic change in emissions beyond the incremental gains we have been making year on year," he said. "So while this work is extremely positive we can in no way bank on the fact that farmers will have available to them options to reduce their methane and nitrous oxide emissions in a dramatic fashion. "It's 'global warming' we are all talking about not 'New Zealand warming', so we need to bear in mind that actions in New Zealand could have unintended consequences at international level. Beef + Lamb New Zealand also supported the Government's proposal to explore a split gas approach, chief executive Sam McIvor said. "We know that the various greenhouse gases have different lifespans and roles in climate change, so we're keen to bring the latest science to the table so that the Zero Carbon Bill reflects the latest scientific thought and provides a workable framework for the sheep and beef sector," he said. With severe weather events becoming more frequent, sheep and beef farmers felt the impacts of climate change first hand, McIvor said. "We know that everyone has to do their bit to meet this challenge, and as a sector we've already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from livestock by 30 per cent since 1990. "We've also set the target for our sector to be carbon neutral by 2050 as part of our new Environment Strategy and we're progressing a range of actions to help build on the good work that farmers are already doing." B+LNZ had commissioned a study into existing native vegetation on sheep and beef farms to better understand the role on-farm planting could have in meeting emission reduction obligations. "Preliminary indications are that existing native forest stocks on sheep and beef farms would contribute significantly towards our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050," McIvor said. "Farmers are also exploring opportunities for planting more trees on sheep and beef farms. Their aim is to meet multiple environmental and other farming goals by clever planting." DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle said the dairy industry had a vital role to play in helping transition New Zealand to a low-emissions economy but all sectors needed to work towards a common goal. "Planning for our future, as an agricultural nation, requires planning around a different climate while at the same time doing all we can to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions," he said. "Many farmers across the country are already thinking and working in this way. Much of the work they have underway to improve water quality also has the co-benefits of improving their greenhouse gas emissions." For more information on the Zero Carbon Bill consultation and for the dates of public meetings and hui around the country visit ourclimateyoursay.nz .