Brave New Zealand!

4 April 2011

One of the first things the current Zealand Government did when it came to power was to announce its intention to replace the country’s existing Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategies. Both had strong Green Party support because of the moves towards favouring renewable energy over the burning of fossil fuels.

In yesterday’s workshop, the New Zealand delegate did not signal any major changes from the current strategy – though she did do some special pleading for her small island (developed) state. So small! Such a small part of global emissions!

So imagine ECO’s surprise when a draft copy of the “new” Energy Strategy landed on our desk. It is now a fancy looking 40 page booklet (laid out with a whole lot of pretty pictures!) whose top priority is to “develop petroleum and mineral fuel resources,” ahead of renewable energy and new energy technologies.

So thinking small after all? Link: http://bit.ly/gjwl6M