National statement on climate change negotiations

New Zealand is determined to do its fair share in addressing climate change, according to climate change negotiations minister Tim Groser.

Mr Groser addressed the 17th conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa, on 8 December. 

In his statement, he noted that New Zealand faces “a real challenge, with half of our emissions coming from agriculture” but that “we have implemented an all sectors and all gases emissions trading system which is a first for a developed country and we are already seeing the benefits of reduced domestic emission levels”.

“New Zealand is by any standards a small developed country with the emission profile of a developing country yet we remain determined to do our fair share in addressing climate change,” he said.

New Zealand remains focused on the common objective of reaching a comprehensive agreement with realistic emission-reduction commitments.

Mr Groser’s full remarks are available here