Thursday, 29 April 2021 14:22

Do more on climate change - Shaw

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Climate Change Minister James Shaw says New Zealand's dairy industry needs to do more to improve greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Change Minister James Shaw says New Zealand's dairy industry needs to do more to improve greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw says New Zealand dairy is the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitter but that's not good enough.

“We cannot say that this is as good as it gets and that we can’t do anymore,” Shaw told the DairyNZ Farmers Forum in Hamilton today.

Shaw noted that the sector’s emission has dropped from 0.88/kg carbon dioxide equivalent/kg of product to 0.75/kg.

But he points out that while we are improving emissions per unit of production, the total volume of emissions still matters.

“That’s because it’s the total amount that makes the difference," he says.

Shaw praised the work done by the dairy sector, including its climate change ambassadors and through He waka eke noa- the world-first partnership between the farming industry and government, aimed at building a framework to reduce agricultural emissions.

Shaw says the NZ dairy sector is extremely innovative in a competitive global environment.

“The sector has in the last few years demonstrated its commitment to making a difference,” he says.

About 400 farmers are attending the one-day event.

More like this

Dairy power

OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.

Inequality 'is on the rise'

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub is warning that inequality between countries has fallen markedly over the past 200 years but inequality and political polarisation within countries was on the rise.

Featured

Farmers will adapt amid global trade turmoil

New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.

National

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Dairy power

OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter