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The Green Party on Environment and Energy

The environment has emerged as a significant political issue in the late 20th and early 21st century. As the debate surrounding global warming continues, and the source of future energy becomes increasingly uncertain, the importance of the environment has risen on the agenda of all political parties. Issues include the importance and relevance of climate change, the appropriate policies to address human pollution, and the source of future energy.

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The issues

The Green Party strongly supports the idea that human pollution is a significant cause of global warming

Human caused global warming is a fact.

The Green Party strongly supports carbon taxes or credits to cut greenhouse gas emissions

The Green Party supports a carbon tax as part of tackling global climate change. But it accepts that the ETS is a way of going forward.

The Green Party supports the introduction of Emissions Trading Scheme

The Green Party supports the introduction of the ETS. It says, “The ETS is a way to put a price on carbon so that industries that produce greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, pay a price based on how much they emit. This cost should encourage them to find more efficient ways of doing business. This in turn will help us reduces the damage that all countries are doing to the atmosphere and reduce the risk of dangerous climate change, as well as promoting a clean energy economy”.

The Green Party strongly opposes reform of the Resource Management Act, so that it is easier and quicker to get consents

The Green Party believes “any reform should be focused on improving the delivery of the Act's original intention, not diluting them”.

The Green Party strongly supports increased investment in public transport rather than more roads

The Green Party strongly supports greatly increased investment in public transport. “Currently, the government spends $6 on roads for every $1 it spends on public transport. This is unsustainable. Efficient, affordable and reliable public transport is what New Zealanders want and deserve”.

The Green Party strongly supports fuel emissions standards for cars

The Green Party supports fuel emissions standards for cars. “The ‘hidden’ road toll from dirty exhausts is estimated to be around 400 premature deaths per year. Tougher fuel emission standards will prevent many of these deaths”.