New climate change diplomat announced

Current ambassador to Japan, Mark Sinclair, has been appointed the country’s next climate change ambassador.

The announcement was made by climate change minister Paula Bennet, who said that Sinclair’s “deep understanding of New Zealand’s interests” made him and exceptional choice for the role.

“The adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change in December 2015 was a historic achievement,” she said, “but it is by no means the end of the road.”

Negotiators are fleshing out operational details of the agreement to provide clarity on the rules to be applied to countries’ commitments.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mark to keep up New Zealand’s reputation as an important and effective voice in the world’s effort to transition to a low carbon future,” said Bennet.

Sinclair will take up the role in the next few months, following a handover by outgoing climate change ambassador Jo Tyndall.