Climate change policy: stepping back and moving forward

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Document Format: PDF

Publication Year: 2009

Authors:
Suzi Kerr

Abstract

When caught up in domestic climate change policy debates it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. Climate change is a global problem that can be addressed only with global cooperation. This talk will take us back to the fundamental nature of the problem and necessary characteristics of the long-term solution. New Zealand’s role in this larger picture will be highlighted, especially our capacity to lead land use policy and technological innovation, in particular for pastoral agriculture and forestry. I will focus on three aspects: new results relating to land use based climate mitigation within New Zealand; the significance of ‘global warming potentials’ (that affect how New Zealand is held responsible for intense but short-lived methane emissions); and effective protection of forests outside New Zealand.