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powergel 
Group: Members
Posts: 191
Joined: May 2011
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Posted on: May 28 2012,09:55 |
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New Zealand Fails to Act On Environmental Vows.
(Last updated 0500hrs 28.05.2012)
Twenty years of broken promises and failures to meet environmental obligations have left New Zealand with little to be proud of, according to a new "wake-up call" report issued on the eve of a global summit.
The World Wildlife Fund report, Beyond Rio, has slated successive governments for failing the environment since promises made at the original Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and says the country now risks some of the highest rates of biodiversity loss on Earth unless urgent action is taken.
The 1992 United Nations conference brought world leaders together to set out a global agenda for action. Countries made promises and left with a set of responsibilities. The report, which has the backing of prominent scientists, says that 20 years later, New Zealand has little to be proud of.
Made public today, it left no doubt that the country needed to urgently rectify broken promises or risk becoming a case study for some of the highest rates of biodiversity loss in recent times, University of Waikato professor David Hamilton said.
"Almost every environmental performance indicator points to deterioration in the New Zealand environment, particularly in biodiversity across freshwater, marine and terrestrial systems."
The report says the country has failed to stem the loss of marine and terrestrial biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fully incorporate sustainability into education, ensure fisheries do not exceed ecological limits or clean up waterways.
It says successive New Zealand governments have failed to live up to promises made in 1992 and at the follow-up summit in 2002 in Johannesburg.
In the report, WWF chairman JMorgan Williams says the Rio summit was a time of aspiration, and each country left with an important set of responsibilities after agreeing to an unprecedented global agenda.
Dr Williams views the report as a wakeup call.
"We cannot afford another 20 years of inaction. For our most critical sustainability issues – freshwater, greenhouse gases, native biodiversity and fisheries – this Government, and its successors, must not only make good on the promises made in 1992, but significantly step up efforts."
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research principal climate scientist James Renwick said New Zealand had behaved like many other countries and the continued failure to act was likely to bring about a climate with grave consequences for food production and economic stability.
"Instead of tackling the problem, we have squandered the last 20 years and are now in a very difficult position, as a global community."
The report comes just weeks before the Rio+20 global summit, which marks the 20th anniversary of its predecessor and is described by the Environment Ministry as "likely to be the biggest international event in 2012". It will be attended by Environment Minister Amy Adams.
WWF New Zealand executive director Chris Howe said the minister had some explaining to do over the failings identified in the report, as they showed the country had been "irresponsible in its commitments to the international community".
"It reflects very poorly on New Zealand ... it's disappointing that John Key doesn't show leadership on these issues," Mr Howe said.
Ms Adams said the Government recognised the importance of managing the country's water resource, oceans and biodiversity. "Addressing issues of water use and quality is a priority area of work, but also some of the most difficult challenges we face."
She was satisfied with progress made by the National-led Government.
"We have put a plan in place to improve the quality of our rivers, lakes and aquifers, insulated more homes, recycled more waste, and enhanced environmental governance, all while helping our economy grow."
Labour environment spokesman Grant Robertson said the cuts in this year's Budget came from areas such as resource management, water management, marine environment and Treaty settlements.
"The minister may be hoping that, by keeping her head down, she will get away with not having to explain the cuts. Unfortunately, all it does is highlight the Government's aversion to making environmental issues a priority."
- © Fairfax NZ News
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DMJ
Group: Members
Posts: 135
Joined: Oct. 2010
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Posted on: May 28 2012,21:17 |
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I have only seen NZ in recent years, so I can't comment on the development over the past 20 years. However I still see it as one of the last places where there is still true wilderness, to loose that would be a great shame. We all love big trout, but without the scenery and great places it really doesn't matter.
I suppose money talks as everywhere else and that means nature walks, which is very frustrating. No matter how much money we end up with, what will it be worth if everything around us is a concrete jungle?
I truly enjoy New Zealand and I try to do my part by donating to specific projects and as a member to environmental organizations. I also try and spend my money as sustainable as possible when visiting. If New Zealand should detriorate badly it would loose most of it's tourism, I haven't met many fellow tourists that don't put the great outdoors on top of their reasons to visit NZ.
I truly hope they will act upon this, as one of the few bastions left for nature we need it, and I love it so much that seeing it all go down the drain would break my heart. I've never felt as much as home as when I'm in New Zealand. Gotta look into one more organization to support working for the NZ environment, being passive will only help to draw in the opposite direction.
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Tore
Group: Members
Posts: 885
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: May 28 2012,22:16 |
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It's my 10th "anniversary" as a Kiwi this year. Most anglers I have talked to over the years about these issues have been fully aware that there is a negative trend in NZ. And that the "Clean Green" brand is just a big hoax.
When diary is the biggest source of income that is no big surprise. It wasn't that long ago they interviewed a scientist on TV who said that some of the rivers in NZ are so pulluted you have to go to the worst parts of Eastern Europe to find anything similar.
How many DOC staff have been sacked under the National government? 100 was the last figure I heard. The trend is negative alright...
The authorities say what they have to say to lure tourists to the country. Don't get me wrong - it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and I love it dearly. But it has some pretty serious issues on many levels, which are being covered up by some pretty hefty "make-up" in the tourist brochures.
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Johnno
Group: Members
Posts: 3381
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: May 28 2012,23:55 |
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NZ is dirty and brown and has been for decades. ( for a premonition of the future as it was back then read " you should have been here Thursday" and " try again Friday" - both written in the '60's and heavy references to the destruction of wild rivers and environments)
Don't blame the present govt as the previous was just as bad. Helen gave lots of money to DoC as she loves the outdoors but really she gave with one hand and she taketh away with the other. She and her lot knew the importance of what lies on and beneath or soils just as the current Govt does. The next Govt will not be any better. And the opposition jumps up and down and says whatever but when they get in next - if that's the case - they won't change anything. They will just do it with a differing spin. Under our dirt is some fairly rich deposits of all sorts. Under our seas are the same. And our primary industries of timber, agriculture, fisheries and horticulture, and mining..... All are needed for us to survive. Both locally and internationally.
We jump up and down about rivers being dammed and then alternative power is mooted like having wind farms banged in the middle of Central Otago and look what happened there... How about a couple of nuclear power stations. That'd solve all our energy issues. But we all know what mayhem that idea would cause.
All very well the Greens harping on about sustainability and sympathy with the environment but that ain't going to happen any time soon. The human race took a bad turn somewhere in the past and we are now reaping it.
Look. All sorts of bullshit happens to the NZ environment everyday. All in the name of progress and to allow us to make our way in the world. Just like every other country. Alas the human being is a virus. Ain't going to change any time soon either.
And no. I have no idea what the solution is. But one thing I do know is that trout and the industry their introduction spawned in NZ is really nothing in the big picture. Important to all of us yes. but in the big picture it means bugger all. The money generated by trout fishing is nothing compared with primary industry.
Scarey innit!!
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"I never understood the appeal of flyfishing Jim. It's too much like masturbation for me, without the payoff".
( Gabriel Shear - Swordfish )
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Tore
Group: Members
Posts: 885
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: May 29 2012,00:14 |
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So the conclusion must be, if one is to read between the lines in your post Johhno, that deep down nobody gives a flyin' F. Ain't nothin' anybody can do about it, so just let's just leave it as is and see what happens. Scary indeed!
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| Post Number: 6
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Johnno
Group: Members
Posts: 3381
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: May 29 2012,00:26 |
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That's your assumption tore not mine. I just gave the reality.
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"I never understood the appeal of flyfishing Jim. It's too much like masturbation for me, without the payoff".
( Gabriel Shear - Swordfish )
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Steve
Group: Administrator
Posts: 1223
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: May 29 2012,09:40 |
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Did you guys see the bit on Sunday on tv3's 60 minutes last weekend from fontera's boss, it was good stuff, they are reacting to the negative image, being clean and green is worth something to them... http://ondemand.tv3.co.nz/60-Minu....lt.aspx
Even talked about beef farmers needing to change their ways
So whilst F&G have received a lot of flak for their dirty dairying campaign it seems it just might be paying off big time, I think this is very good, as it does show if you make enough noise things can be changed, so the second bit of good news after the recent ‘no’ on the Mokinnui, message is make as much noise as you can if you feel deeply about an issue. Got to remember that tourism is a big earner too and the negative image is bad for it, so there’s leverage there too just like there is for dairying, so there are weapons if you like, it’s just whether we choose to use them. Govts will listen if enough people make enough noise, and if that noise will impact on future $$ then they’d be silly not to. Isn’t that democracy at work?
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Steve Gerard
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Joshs1
Group: Members
Posts: 41
Joined: Oct. 2008
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Posted on: May 29 2012,11:02 |
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Well said Johnno, very realisitic view. The great shame from my point of view in the case of New Zealand, is that we are naturally one of the richest countries in the world in terms of having the ability to produce 'renewable' energy. We have resources that most other countries would give anything for, a world class geothermal system, a country flooded with river flowing from steep topography, a latitude that intercepts a large circumpolar wind stream and high sun shine hours. For New Zealand to not be '100% pure' is direct evidence that some where along the lines some people have made some horrendous decisions, or the sad fact is that to create energy will always come with a sacrifice. I believe both of the above situations have put NZ in the situation we are in, have been in for a while and most likely will be in for the forseeable future.
One thing that I find particularaly difficult to comprehend is when 'environmentalists' knock hydro power generation. There is absolutely no disputing the fact that producing energy by means of utilising the flow of water, is a very efficient way to produce energy whilst having a comparatively minimal effect to the TOTAL earth system when compared to most other energy production methods. Unfortunately as I stated above, all methods of producing energy does have a sacrifice and the key to environmental sustainability is to manage those sacrifices, such has just been achieved to great effect in the case of the Mokihinui- a great decision.
I know this will probably get some mixed responses and I know that most writers on this forum are opposed to hydro power and I can understand that. I believe human beings are at a point where the bigger picture needs to come into consideration and modifying the habitat of trout may, in my opinion, if done in the right ways in the right places be a worth while sacrifice.
I wont touch on agriculutural issues as I am no expert. Steve, that is great news. It is promising to see a company willing to make an effort, and probably some sacrifices on its' behalf.
We live in an economic world, economies revolve around energy, energy will come at a price. It's a straight forward problem with a very complex solution.
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Silvio
Group: Members
Posts: 59
Joined: Jul. 2011
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Posted on: May 29 2012,22:40 |
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I think it is neither fact nor fiction and that the reality is somewhere in between. One would expect the WWF to paint a darker picture to what it really is. But in saying that, we need to keep fighting for what we have, no matter how hopeless it may feel at times. We loose some and we win some and it’s worth it!
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Mike H
Group: Members
Posts: 406
Joined: Nov. 2009
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Posted on: May 30 2012,22:33 |
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(Steve @ May 29 2012,09:40)
QUOTE Did you guys see the bit on Sunday on tv3's 60 minutes last weekend from fontera's boss, it was good stuff, they are reacting to the negative image, being clean and green is worth something to them... http://ondemand.tv3.co.nz/60-Minu....lt.aspxEven talked about beef farmers needing to change their ways So whilst F&G have received a lot of flak for their dirty dairying campaign it seems it just might be paying off big time, I think this is very good, as it does show if you make enough noise things can be changed, so the second bit of good news after the recent ‘no’ on the Mokinnui, message is make as much noise as you can if you feel deeply about an issue. Got to remember that tourism is a big earner too and the negative image is bad for it, so there’s leverage there too just like there is for dairying, so there are weapons if you like, it’s just whether we choose to use them. Govts will listen if enough people make enough noise, and if that noise will impact on future $$ then they’d be silly not to. Isn’t that democracy at work?
I'm pleased you put that up Steve. It was a good piece of TV and not a mention of F & G in it. Good to see other groups recognising the issue. I'd hoped someone would have started a topic up just on that 60 Minutes piece. I watched it and thought it was pretty balanced 
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