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Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced last month that New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55% compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.
OPINION: The farming sector, or at least some parts of it, are preparing for a battle with the Government over its latest international climate change target.
Farmer support is being canvassed to push for New Zealand to opt out of the Paris Agreement.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced last month that New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55% compared to 2005 levels, by 2035. The Paris Agreement is the global climate treaty which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Under the Agreement, each country sets targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions.
Watts claims that meeting this target will mean NZ doing its “fair share” towards reducing the impact of climate change.
But some farmer groups – including Groundswell – isn’t buying any of it.
The lobby, well known for organising massive protests around the country during Labour’s reign, is seeking donations to build a war chest.
And Groundswell isn’t holding back when it comes to commenting on Watt’s latest announcement.
“New Zealand doesn’t elect governments to play along with international games. We expect them to look out for our interests. They work for us, not the jet-setting global conference elite,” Groundswell leader Bryce McKenzie told its supporters in an email.
He claims complying with the Paris Agreement means only one thing – poverty.
Federated Farmers is less muted in its response.
It claims the 2030 target of a 50% reduction in all greenhouse gas emissions in just the next five years is already completely beyond reach.
This leaves the National Party in a bind. Will it listen to the concerns of farmers or pander to the ‘middle-ground swing voters’ keen to see action on climate change? Time will tell.
OPINION: In a memo, rich guy Bill Gates didn't become a climate change denier, but he did give the world a dose of common sense, saying we should redirect efforts away from the campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and instead focus on other ways to improve human lives and reduce suffering.
Farmers are welcoming the Government’s revised science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050.
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.
OPINION: We are endlessly told that livestock are responsible for half of New Zealand's total emissions.
Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.
As you approach Hastings from the south along SH2, the colour of the west-facing hills are a good indicator of a drought.
Global beef trade is expected to grow steadily over the next five years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and strategic export expansions by South American countries.
Carpet maker Bremworth is reinstating solution-dyed nylon (SDN) into its product mix but says wool carpets remain central to its brand.
While New Zealand may be under siege from braindead, flesh-eating monstrosities, that doesn’t mean lambing can stop.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
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