Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

economically and permanently. This technology is currently experimental, and unlikely to be
practical in the foreseeable future.
Labour will therefore direct Solid Energy not to proceed with its liquid fuels lignite
mining proposal.
Even if offsets were available by way of tree planting (which would require huge plantings),
Labour would not approve this or other Solid Energy lignite mining proposals that are
greenhouse gas intensive. Only emission capture at source and effective permanent storage
would be acceptable to Labour.
Any other new lignite processing would face the full cost of its greenhouse gas emissions
under the ETS. Otherwise, this cost would unfairly fall on other sectors of the community or
on taxpayers.
International obligations and opportunities
UN climate change negotiations have so far failed to achieve agreement on emissions
beyond 2012, either within the existing Kyoto Protocol or a new agreement.
Labour believes New Zealand has a leading role to play in international negotiations to
address climate change issues. New Zealand must do more than procure favourable microrule
changes that are beneficial to us. We must contribute to an overall effective global
climate treaty.
Labour will seek to play a leading role in international negotiations that seek binding
reductions in greenhouse gases in a comprehensive and effective climate change
treaty.
We must also support our Pacific neighbours and other developing nations in their efforts to
adapt to climate change.
Labour will support our Pacific neighbours and other developing countries in their
efforts to adapt to climate change.
Moving from a high-emission to a low-emission economy is not only about meeting this
country‟s international climate change obligations. It is also about positioning New Zealand
for sustainable long-term economic growth.
The climate change challenge offers great opportunities for a small sustainable nation. New
Zealand‟s sustainable agriculture R&D and our renewable energy expertise present us with
commercial opportunities in a world seeking sustainable solutions.
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