Remember when non-smoking regulations first came in?
Half a room would be reserved for smokers and the other half for non-smokers.
It was a nonsense because even if smokers stuck to their side of the room their smoke didn’t.
Trying to tackle carbon emissions in some countries but not others is similarly stupid. If there’s a problem with emissions it’s a global one and reduction policies and remedies must take a global approach.
John Key recognises this and is using his time in New York to promote a Global Alliance on agricultural emissions.
“To feed the world’s growing population, we must find ways to produce more food without growing emissions,” says Mr Key.
“It will be agriculture that will have to meet the expected dramatic increase in global food demand over the coming decades, but this presents the world with the twin challenge of ensuring food security while reducing emissions.
“To meet this challenge, there is an urgent need for more international research and investment into new technologies and practices to help reduce agriculture-related emissions, and for greater co-ordination of existing efforts.
“New Zealand considers a Global Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation research could meet this need and welcomes partners in this initiative.
Former Environment Minister Simon Upton has been appointed as a special envoy to work with other countries on this concept.
Agriculture Minister David Carter says New Zealand is well placed to make a significant contribution to the alliance.
“Our unique profile for a developed country, with almost half of all emissions coming from agriculture, has given us a firm foothold in understanding pastoral livestock emissions.
“Through a Global Alliance, we can find solutions faster, make better use of the money that is being spent around the world and encourage other countries and companies to do more,” says Mr Carter.
Associate Minister for Climate Change Issues Tim Groser said that food security is paramount and must not be compromised.
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