Emissions Targets: Scientists vs Politicians

Gareth MorganEnvironment

With the Paris conference coming up, Gareth is doing a series of Whiteboard Fridays on climate change. A few weeks ago he explored the latest observational evidence from Antarctica of climate change, and the implications for sea level rise; last week he covered how far away we are from what the climate science community considers, and international political consensus accepts, as “dangerous” warming.

This week he looks at the emissions reductions that the scientists tell us are needed to have a reasonable chance of avoiding this “dangerous” warming, and compares them to the targets being offered by politicians. It is plain to see that New Zealand’s targets fall short of what is needed from developed countries. With China and the US now stepping up to the plate on delivering meaningful emissions reductions and talking about carbon neutrality by 2050, New Zealand is increasingly looking like a pariah and out of step with the international consensus. Our “highly conditional” offer of 11% reduction by 2030 is relatively pathetic.

Of interest is whether New Zealand will increasingly come under pressure from the big countries to do our fair share. That would be great for our 100% Pure reputation wouldn’t it?

Emissions Targets: Scientists vs Politicians was last modified: December 15th, 2015 by Gareth Morgan
About the Author

Gareth Morgan

Facebook Twitter

Gareth Morgan is a New Zealand economist and commentator on public policy who in previous lives has been in business as an economic consultant, funds manager, and professional company director. He is also a motorcycle adventurer and philanthropist. Gareth and his wife Joanne have a charitable foundation, the Morgan Foundation, which has three main stands of philanthropic endeavour – public interest research, conservation and social investment.