5 June, 2008
World Environment Day
This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) event since its establishment in 1972.
Climate change is one of the biggest environmental issues facing the world today and this annual event is an important recognition of today's global interdependence and the responsibility that we all share for securing the welfare of our planet and its people for today and tomorrow.
As one of the first countries with a stated goal to work towards a carbon-neutral future, New Zealand is a logical choice to host the event this year.
New Zealand's programme working towards carbon neutrality involves:
- generating 90 per cent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and
- halving our per capita transport emissions by 2040.
To incentivise climate-friendly behaviour, the government is introducing:
- an emissions trading scheme, which includes all sectors and all gases,
- an energy strategy, and
- tackling climate change in homes and businesses, science and research.
There are economic opportunities for New Zealand in taking the lead on climate change, big economic risks and costs if we don't. New Zealand can profit by creating efficient and sustainable products the rest of the world wants to buy and we can also demonstrate leadership in the area of pastoral emissions.
Agriculture, which includes livestock, is an important sector in New Zealand's economy, and New Zealand is already a world leader in agricultural research. We are now turning our expertise towards research to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, including methane from livestock - which accounts for about half of our greenhouse emissions.
While New Zealand's capital city Wellington will play host to the main UN World Environment Day events, local communities are undertaking their own environmental activities throughout the country through more than 120 community and school-based events. There are huge numbers of New Zealanders involved in celebrations, and this is a fantastic indication of this country's drive towards sustainability and reducing the impacts of climate change.
More information on World Environment Day: www.sustainability.govt.nz/wed
World Environment Day media statements and speeches
- NZ hosting World Environment Day – New Zealand hosting World Environment Day -- the first time New Zealand has hosted this significant international event since 1972. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard media statement
- Kiwi business join UN Climate Neutral Network: New Zealand businesses are set to strengthen the kiwi presence and leadership on the United Nations' Climate Neutral Network - with 16 joining so far and others poised to sign up. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard's speech to the NZ meeting of the Climate Neutral Network, plus related media statement. 4 June, 2008
- World Food Security: The Challenge of Climate Change and Bioenergy -- In Rome, Italy, Agriculture minister Jime Anderton tells the United Nations Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO) that our responsibility as leaders is to be strong enough and to care enough to put aside political expediency, and thus provide the leadership required to work together as one people on one planet.
- Keep it simple on World Environment Day– Tree planting is a simple and effective way for people throughout the country to get involved and contribute to solutions on World Environment Day. Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick. Media statement
- International environment art award – announcing the winner of the prestigious International Children’s Painting Competition, held to celebrate World Environment Day each year. Prime Minister Helen Clark media statement
- Kiribati President to visit for World Environment Day -- Kiribati President Anote Tong arrives in New Zealand this week as a key international guest for World Environment Day and for a bilateral Head of State visit. Prime Minister Helen Clark media statement
- Outstanding contributions to the environment --This year’s Green Ribbon Awards honour outstanding contributions to the environment, and tonight’s award ceremony marks the beginning of events celebrating New Zealand’s hosting of World Environment Day. Prime Minister Helen Clark media statement
- World Environment Day Science Breakfast – The atmosphere is a very thin skin covering the planet -- a tiny layer sustains life on the planet. And only the very lowest part of this tiny layer is habitable by humans. Research, Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson media statement
- Automobile, Transport And Environment Summit–Prime Minister Helen Clark speaks to the Automobile, Transport And Environment Summit, a World Environment Day event. Prime Minister Helen Clark speech
- Joining forces to mark World Environment Day – the joint NZ government/United Nations Environment Programme press conference for World Environment Day. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard speech
- Towards a low-carbon economy – Business opportunities and innovative solutions: the Prime Minister delivers the opening address to World Environment Day Business Symposium. Prime Minister Helen Clark speech
- Green Ribbon Awards – The Prime Minister speaks at the World Environment Day 2008 Green Ribbon Awards. Prime Minister Helen Clark speech