Beef + Lamb New Zealand welcomes the Government’s announcement of the appointment of an independent panel of experts to review agricultural biogenic methane science and targets for consistency with no additional warming.
B+LNZ Chair Kate Acland says many farmers recognise they have a role in addressing climate change, but they want fair targets.
“The scientific understanding of methane, its warming impact and how it should be dealt with from a policy perspective has evolved over the past few years.
“We’ve long argued that the targets should be based on no additional warming and this review will enable New Zealand to take a proper look at what the targets should be.
“Farmers want to feel confident that targets are underpinned by the appropriate science, where methane is being asked to do what’s being asked of other gases, which is to achieve no additional warming.
“They also want acknowledgement of the significant progress and efficiency gains made in the sector to date and to see recognition of the important role New Zealand’s agricultural sector plays in producing quality sustainable protein.
“It’s heartening the Government has stated its commitment to meeting climate change obligations without shutting down our world-leading carbon-efficient farms.
“This process promises to provide a consistent and holistic view of how warming should be applied in policy.”
Acland notes the panel is made up of highly respected experts and says B+LNZ looks forward to seeing the outcome of the review.
ENDS
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