The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is an analysis undertaken by four independent European research organisations: Climate Analytics, Ecofys, NewClimate Institute and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. It has developed a groundbreaking method to measure the fairness of governmental climate action efforts.
New Zealand last week submitted its provisional INDC – (intended nationally determined contribution) to the UN, with a target to reduce emissions by 30% below 2005 by 2030 which is equivalent to 11% below 1990 levels by 2030.
New Zealand’s “inadequate” rating indicates that its commitment is not in line with any interpretations of a “fair” approach to reach a 2°C pathway: if most other countries were to follow New Zealand’s approach, global warming would exceed 3–4°C, a world that would see oceans acidifying, coral reefs dissolving, sea levels rising rapidly, and more than 40% species extinction.
Time for Groser to resign.
This so-called 30% reduction from 2005 levels “target” is more than embarrassing: it reveals the deep-seated cynicism of the government with regard to global warming.
How that “target” in any way reflects back the more than 15,000 public submissions is beyond understanding.
The Table 1 Summary of submissions shows that:
* 68.7% want 40% reduction from 1990 levels
* 27.2% want zero GHG emissions by 2050
In other words, 95% want severe cuts, now.
And they came up with 30% from 2005 levels (i.e. 11% from 1990 levels). It’s a travesty.
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