New Zealand's unique blend of emissions mitigation and sinks enhancement policies

Abstract

New Zealand government policy combines CO 2 absorption by newly planted forests with various means to address gross emissions, including voluntary CO 2 emission reduction agreements. Emissions per unit production for coal using sectors are 25% lower from improvements made in the last 10 years and there are many more cost effective opportunities. The requirement of full mitigation of CO 2 emissions from a future power station is a shift away from the government's “no regrets” policy and is premature in the absence of a national policy statement.