Why New Zealand must rapidly halve its greenhouse gas emissions.
New Zealand must commit to substantial decreases in its greenhouse gas emissions, to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on human health, both here and internationally. We have the fourth highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the developed world. Based on the need to limit warming to 2 degrees C by 2100, our cumulative emissions, and our capability to mitigate, New Zealand should at least halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (i.e. a target of at least 40% less than 1990 levels). This target has a strong scientific basis, and if anything may be too lenient; reducing the risk of catastrophic climate change may require deeper cuts. Short-term economic costs of mitigation have been widely overstated in public debate. They must also be balanced by the far greater costs caused by inertia and the substantial health and social benefits that can be achieved by a low emissions society. Large emissions reductions are achievable if we mobilise New Zealand society and let technology follow the signal of a responsible target.
Metcalfe
Scott
S
scott.metcalfe2@gmail.com
Woodward
Alistair
A
Macmillan
Alexandra
A
Baker
Michael
M
Howden-Chapman
Philippa
P
Lindsay
Graeme
G
Hales
Simon
S
Sinclair
David
D
Jaine
Richard
R
Springford
Liz
L
Holmes
Andrew
A
Laking
George
G
Jones
Rhys
R
Carr
Harriette
H
Edwards
Richard
R
Shaw
Caroline
C
Wells
Susan
S
Hosking
Jamie
J
Forde
Andrea
A
Bismark
Marie
M
Palmer
Stephen
S
Keating
Gay
G
Simpson
Jenny
J
Highton
Rachel
R
Dhar
Divya
D
Kane
Penny
P
D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005544:Forecasting; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008019:Life Style; D009520:New Zealand; D010819:Physician's Role; D011057:Politics; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends; D011640:Public Policy; D012941:Social Responsibility