The Productivity Commission has completed its report into transitioning to a low-emissions economy and recommends three crucial shifts: switching to low-emissions energy sources, substantial tree planting and changes to agricultural production.
The final report, released today, recommended a suite of policy reforms to help drive the transition, including a ‘feebate’ scheme to increase the uptake of electric vehicles and introducing emissions standards for newly-registered vehicles.
Victoria University of Wellington’s Professor Adrian Macey told Newshub that he agreed with the Commission that New Zealand needed to make urgent changes in regard to transport. “What the commission is saying is we need to shift to electric cars much more quickly,” he said.
“The other point is that New Zealanders hold onto their cars way longer than most countries, so you’ve got emission locked in if you’re buying a car now and hold onto it for 15, 20 years. That’s not going to help.”
Climate Change Minister James Shaw said the report highlighted many areas the Government was already working on, such as establishing an independent Climate Commission. The Government would respond to the report’s 173 findings and 78 recommendations “over the coming months”, he said.
The Science Media Centre gathered expert commentary on the draft report when it was released in April.
The final report has been covered by media, including:
Newsroom: Not enough electric cars to hit the target
NZ Herald: ‘Challenging but achievable’ – how NZ can go green
Stuff.co.nz: Productivity Commission suggests ‘feebate’ for all cars and even more trees to fight climate change
Newshub: New report says NZ must be bold on climate emissions
Radio NZ: ‘Delaying action is likely to make the transition costlier’
Newsroom: Farm vs town in climate debate