NZ greenhouse gases rise by 22pc

New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 22.5 per cent in the past 15 years according to a United Nations report - and farm animals have been handed a chunk of the blame.

The data, collected under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change since 1994, shows that overall emissions from developed countries fell 5.9 per cent over the period, from 18.4 billion tonnes to 17.3 billion tonnes.

New Zealand had the eighth highest emissions among the developed countries listed in the report. Spain topped the list with 41.7 per cent.

Australia recorded an increase in emissions of 23.3 per cent, the United States had a 13.3 per cent increase, Japan 12.8 per cent and and Italy 11.5 per cent.

New Zealand is a party to the Kyoto Protocol which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Almost half of New Zealand's emissions come from livestock farming, National Radio reported yesterday.

Federated Farmers president Charlie Pedersen said he was confident research would develop ways of limiting gas from animals.

- NZPA