Greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand still growing

3.00pm

Greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand's energy sector continue to grow, according to the latest available statistics.

The report New Zealand Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2002, released today, shows that the energy sector's gross carbon dioxide emissions grew by 2.7 per cent from 2001 to 2002. Average annual growth since 1990 was 2.4 per cent.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, New Zealand is obliged to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels, on average, over 2008-2012, or take responsibility for emissions above that level.

Of the energy sector's carbon dioxide emissions, 45 per cent came from domestic transport, 21 per cent from industry and 18 per cent from thermal electricity generation.

Carbon dioxide emissions from domestic transport grew by 10 per cent from 2001-2002, reflecting higher petrol and diesel consumption. The average increase since 1990 was 3.9 per cent a year.

International comparisons in the report show that among 23 OECD countries New Zealand's per capita emissions were relatively low, but it had the second highest percentage increase in carbon dioxide emissions from 1990-2000.

"New Zealand needs to break the link between economic growth and escalating fossil fuel use," said the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson.

"That is why we have the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, energy policy initiatives to encourage renewables, climate change policies to provide incentives for emission reduction and a commitment under the Transport Strategy to improve the efficiency of road and rail networks, promote alternatives to roads and reduce traffic growth."

The report:
Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2002