New Zealand lowers greenhouse gas emissions target amidst criticism

Wellington: The New Zealand government on Friday committed to a controversial greenhouse gas emissions target of five percent below 1990 levels by 2020, with critics claiming it had reneged on a higher commitment made in 2010.

"The target is affordable and it demonstrates that New Zealand is doing its fair share to address global climate change. In deciding this target, the government has carefully balanced with the cost to New Zealand households and businesses against taking ambitious action to tackle climate change," Tim said.

New Zealand was setting the 2020 target under the UN Framework Convention, the Kyoto Protocol's parent body, rather than the Kyoto Protocol itself, from which New Zealand withdrew late last year.

This means New Zealand was taking a target alongside the developed and developing countries that were collectively responsible for more than 70 percent of global emissions. "It's important to remember that we are working towards a binding agreement under the convention that, from 2020, will apply to all parties," said Groser.

In February 2010, the New Zealand government, under the Copenhagen Accord, submitted a conditional emissions reduction target range of 10 percent to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.