Climate change report: Whanganui will need to plan for zero carbon transition

Whanganui could be a hub of carbon zero engineering, Frank Gibson says. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui people and businesses will need to plan for how they can help New Zealand reduce its carbon footprint.

The newly formed Climate Change Commission's draft Advice Report was released for public consultation this week and among the bold steps laid out was an end to coal heating, more forestry, greener homes and a waste-stripping "circular" economy.

It says we can't continue burning fossil fuels and rely on trees to store carbon to compensate for our emissions.

Horizons Regional Council chairwoman Rachel Keedwell said she was "glad a high-level document is calling that out".

"It's ridiculous thinking we can just carry on life as usual and just plant a few trees."

Whanganui Chamber of Commerce chairwoman Brenda Brown said the report only spelled out what people are already aware of.

"All New Zealanders need to take some action in decision making and lifestyle to contribute to the country meeting its targets," she said.

Brown said she encouraged the Chamber's members to develop a company policy committing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

"Strategy planning should involve some thought around how existing operations can incorporate changes to decrease carbon emissions," she said.

The report suggests reducing cattle numbers, stopping the import of petrol and diesel-driven vehicles, moving to all electric vehicles, stopping new gas connections in 2025 and planting 380,000 new hectares of pine trees.

That change would mean the predicted loss of 1100 jobs in the coal and gas industries.

Horizons regional councillor Nicola Patrick said she would like better buses and a stronger emphasis on rail for both freight and passenger movement while places like Whanganui could also get more cycle-friendly.

"The basic infrastructure for that is already there," she said.

Meanwhile, Keedwell said Horizons would look at whether it needs to adjust its Long Term Plan to take account of the report's recommendations.

Whanganui Science Forum co-ordinator Frank Gibson said there could be an engineering boom as a result of a shift to zero carbon technologies and Whanganui District Council could set up a group to advise businesses on how to cash in.

Climate change will have major effects in the money industry, he said.

There were about 200 big players, such as insurance companies and investment banks, that would have to disclose how their activities affected the climate.

The cost of insurance for flood-prone properties, properties affected by sea level rise and farms where drought cuts into productivity will rise.

The commission's draft advice is open for consultation until March 14 and final advice will be released before May 31.