CTU position on emissions reduction target
Dear Minister
The CTU has previously submitted on climate change issues.
CTU Submission on the Review of the Emissions Trading Scheme, February 2009
Towards Sustainability - Unions and Climate Change, March 2007
CTU Submission on the National Interest Analysis - Kyoto Protocol, March 2002
The CTU supports a unilateral emissions reduction target of 24% and a conditional target of 40%. The conditions for the 40% target are:
(a) Global agreement on emission reductions or at least participation in a global agreement on effective emissions reduction by all developed and most large developing countries.
(b) Carbon charges or emissions trading by industries in countries that compete with competitiveness at risk firms in New Zealand.
(c) Just transition support for workers – including job protection and retraining. Recent studies are not able to measure the impact on households and jobs of a consumer reaction to a perceived failure by New Zealand to act as a good global citizen in respect of climate change. We do not contest the fact that in the absence of any consumer reaction, or active programme of emissions reduction or our ability to rely on sinks, New Zealanders would face a considerable economic shock. But a small trading nation like New Zealand is heavily reliant on being able to substantiate our clean, green image and if that dissipates the economic costs could be overwhelming.
We are aware that a 40% target means reducing emissions by around 63%. However, New Zealand pays for net emissions and at this stage because of sinks, we face no net costs. We recognise that there is variability around these measurements and we should not rely on these sinks. Rather we should commit to practical action to reduce emissions and be prepared as a country to advocate unilateral reductions. A higher level should however be contingent particularly given the high proportion of methane in our emissions profile.
Can I once again signal the willingness of the CTU to work with your Government on implementation issues around ETS and effective measures to reduce emissions.
Yours sincerely
Peter Conway
Secretary
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions - Te Kauae Kaimahi
