8. COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) Link to this
to the Minister of Agriculture
What recent development has the Government announced in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions research?
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) Link to this
Earlier today the Prime Minister announced in New York the global alliance and international call for greater research into cutting greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. There is an urgent need for more international research and investment into ways of reducing agricultural emissions. The global alliance will push to find solutions faster through greater coordination with other nations.
Why is New Zealand pushing for greater international attention to be given to agricultural greenhouse gas research?
Agriculture currently produces 14 percent of the annual global greenhouse gas emissions. As the global demand for food rises dramatically, it is expected that the 14 percent figure could increase by up to 40 percent by 2030. In order to meet the twin challenges of food security and climate change, the world must find ways to grow more food and to do so without growing the greenhouse gas emissions. This is where New Zealand’s proposal for a global alliance fits well.
Rahui KateneWhat opportunity will Māori agricultural interests have to be actively involved in including agriculture into the emissions trading scheme, and, in particular, in the development of an international research initiative?
Every opportunity. New Zealand’s agricultural emissions profile presents a challenge to all New Zealanders. With the huge involvement of Māori in both the agriculture and forestry industries, Māori need to be fully engaged to help us as New Zealanders to find solutions.
Extremely well. The Government has been making representations to potential partner countries, and at this stage the response is very positive. There have already been indications of support from the United States and India. International support is vital in order to turn this concept into a reality, and we are talking to a number of developed and developing countries with significant agricultural production about coordinated research programmes.