Letter calls for government to take action on climate change

An open letter to climate change minister Paula Bennett calling for action has been signed by some of New Zealand’s most influential companies, not-for-profits and prominent individuals.

That is after she represented New Zealand at the talks on climate change in Marrakech, Morocco last week.

Included on the list of 60 signatories, are big players in the automotive sector, like Z Energy, Charge Net NZ and Green Cabs.

The open letter calls for the government to set ambitious targets to reduce emissions, create a long-term plan for how to do it, and implement policies that will help New Zealanders to make low carbon choices.

Z Energy chief executive Mike Bennetts says Kiwi businesses can and should help deliver cleaner energy.

“With coherent, predictable policy, companies like ours can take swift and meaningful action,” Bennetts says.

“We’re keen to work in partnership with the New Zealand government and we’ll back the government in taking bold action.”

WWF-New Zealand senior campaigner Alex Smith says businesses and organisations across New Zealand are taking action, but must be backed by the government.

But Bennett says the government is doing its part to reduce greenhouse emissions.

“New Zealand has a fair and ambitious target of reducing emissions by 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. I have several work streams in place which will help form an effective plan to meet that target.”