New Zealand signs up to tackling agricultural emissions

New Zealand has endorsed the Bonn Communique of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition on Tackling Air Pollution to Save Lives and Protect the Environment, at the COP23 climate change conference in Bonn, Germany.

The communique focuses on highly-potent short-lived gases such as methane, that are major contributors to air pollution and climate change.

Climate Minister James Shaw noted that by endorsing the communique, New Zealand acknowledges the need to tackle domestic agricultural climate pollution and landfill emissions.

“We’ve known for a long time that tackling agricultural climate pollution and other sources of air pollution are critical to addressing climate change and ensuring we leave a stable climate for future generations.

“Endorsing this Bonn Communique recognises the important role that New Zealand plays internationally looking for ways to tackle agricultural climate pollution.”

Minister Shaw also reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing emissions from landfill via reduced waste-to-landfill, noting that “the Bonn Communique recognises how important work to reduce waste emissions is”.

He applauded Auckland’s recent commitment to reducing its waste to zero by 2040. “The new Government is proud of the leadership Auckland is showing. We support that goal, both at home and on the world stage,” Minister Shaw said.