Editorial: Climate dilemma

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.