EnergyWatch The Journal of the Sustainable Energy Forum Inc “Facilitating the use of energy for economic, environmental and social sustainability” Issue 53, June 2009 Published by The Sustainable Energy Forum Incorporated, PO Box 11-152, Wellington Email:
[email protected] Editor: John Blakeley Web: www.sef.org.nz www.energywatch.org.nz ISSN: 1173 5449 EDITORIAL Is Emissions Trading the Answer? Before attempting to reply to this, it is first necessary to clarify “the answer to what question’?” If the issue is primarily how will the NZ Government raise additional revenue to cover the cost of purchasing emissions credits, which may be necessary to cover its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, then the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) may provide the answer. However the latest information from the Ministry for the Environment (report released on 15 April) now suggests that NZ might actually Energy Watch Editor John Blakeley have a surplus of $241 million under the The reason for this is that the amount of increase Kyoto Protocol expiring on 31 December 2012, in the price of everyday necessities for most rather than having a large liability. But some New Zealanders, like motor fuel and electricity, people are dubious about the veracity of that which would be necessary to substantially change estimate, which is still subject to a high degree people’s consumption behaviour, would be many of variability. times more than the likely price increases under the present ETS (based partly on what is politically In any event, the surplus will only be a very acceptable, and partly on the likely international temporary situation, with the strong likelihood trading price for emissions credits).