Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Climate Change Commission
He Pou a Rangi the Climate Change Commission is extending the period that it will receive submissions on its draft advice to allow the public more time to make their submissions.
Consultation opened on February 1, with submissions initially due by March 14. The deadline for submissions has been extended for two weeks now closing on March 28 this year.
“We have heard from stakeholders that they need more time to consider our data and develop informed submissions,” Commission Chair Dr Rod Carr says.
“We needed to balance time needed by stakeholders to consider our data as part of their submissions, with the work evaluating submissions and determining their impact on our draft advice. The Board felt two weeks provided this.
“We do anticipate a significant number of submissions for our team to analyse. If you are on track for March 14 there is no need to delay, we would gladly receive your submission by then.
“It is important to us that people are able to contribute to our work – which we hope results in a fundamental and lasting change for the direction of climate action in Aotearoa.
“We have had a fantastic response so far with more than 350 submissions. People are responding to our work productively and positively.
“The Commission is clear that this is draft advice and is committed to true consultation. We are prepared to make changes in light of what we hear,” says Dr Carr.
The Commission’s deadline to deliver its final advice to Government is 31 May 2021. The draft advice includes:
– The proposed first three emissions budgets for Aotearoa.
– Recommendations on the direction of the country’s first emissions reduction plan, which provides policy guidance to Government on how the emissions budgets could be met.
– A review that finds the first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for Aotearoa is not compatible with the country’s responsibilities under the Paris Agreement to contribute to global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
– A consideration of what potential reductions in biogenic methane might be needed by 2100. The result is biogenic methane will need to continue to fall in the second half of this century. This work does not review current targets.
This draft advice explains how Aotearoa can reach net zero emissions for long-lived gases by 2050, as outlined in the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act.
The Government then has until December 31 to decide whether to accept recommendations in the advice. If the Government chooses not to take on the Commission’s advice, it must publish an alternative plan for reaching net zero.
About the Commission
The Climate Change Commission is an independent crown entity. Its independence means it can provide impartial advice, challenge and hold the government of the day to account for action on climate change. Details on how to make a submission or hear more from the Commission about its work can be found on its website www.climatecommission.govt.nz
