Strong support for climate action — Shaw

He says there is also “nearly universal support” for an independent Climate Change Commission to advise on and monitor New Zealand’s progress towards emissions reduction goals.  

“The vast majority of respondents want New Zealand to do everything we can to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, and offset the remainder, to reach ‘net-zero’ emissions by 2050.,” says Shaw.

The Ministry for the Environment has released a summary of the 15000 submissions made during consultation on the proposed Zero Carbon

Shaw notes that there was a strong representation from people and businesses who, whilst supporting the overall direction, expressed caution about the speed and scale of the transition and the pressure it will put their sectors under. 

“We have to ensure that those concerns are heard and included as we put together the final shape of the Zero Carbon Bill. We need to take everyone with us and leave no one behind. 

 “These 15,009 submissions will combine with the advice we have received from the Productivity Commission, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Māori interests, and consultation with other political parties to help us finalise the draft Zero Carbon Bill that will be introduced to Parliament next year,” Shaw said.

He thanked all submitters and the Ministry for the Environment for its work in coordinating the Zero Carbon Bill consultation process.