KEY POINTS:
Prime Minister Helen Clark confirmed today that the Government will set targets for the adoption of biofuels as she urged New Zealand to tackle climate change head on.
In her opening statement to begin the parliamentary year she called for a bold approach to environmental policy.
There would be a biofuel target of 3.4 per cent of annual petrol and diesel sales by 2012 to encourage biodiesel and develop the infrastructure for ethanol distribution.
"I believe that in the years to come, the pride we take in our quest for sustainability and carbon neutrality will define our nation, just as our quest for a nuclear-free world has over the past 23 years," Helen Clark said.
She said the government intended to lead by example and six departments were committing to reach carbon neutrality by 2012 by reducing omissions and tree planting.
The ministerial car fleet would also be replaced over time with more efficient and less polluting cars
The Prime Minister said New Zealand was dependent on "sustainable strategies" across the environment, economy, society, culture and way of life.
She made the strongest call to arms on global warming.
"Traditional patterns of development and fast growing populations have put an intolerable strain on the planet. The future economic costs of doing nothing are dire," she said.
New Zealand faced more challenges than any other nation due to its distance from markets, but could lead the world in its commitment to renewable energy and other environmental areas.
Helen Clark said the Government would do more to raise awareness among households and businesses about sustainable energy, water and waste disposal practices.
It would also assist businesses by developing a new procurement policy requiring sustainably produced goods and services to be used whenever possible.
A Green Party bill on waste minimisation would be refined to allow some form of waste levy.
- NZPA
