Spotlight on Climate
Climate is an existential threat that must not be ignored. As a developed country it is our collective responsibility to reduce gross emissions and build a durable system for adaptation. We no longer have time for a gradual transition. We must act now.
Our climate change priorities are renewable energy, forestry and the Emissions Trading Scheme, nature-based solutions and adaptation.
The country is rapidly transitioning to renewables, but solar and wind must be located in the right locations, away from high value ecological and landscape areas. We support spatial planning which can strategically direct renewables into the right places.
Forests play an important role in climate mitigation and adaptation. But afforestation decisions need to be aligned with our net-zero 2050 and beyond goals and be cognisant of risks associated with exotic carbon forests. The climate change and biodiversity crises are deeply connected and must be tackled together. We work with others to encourage the establishment of long-term native forests by influencing policy and law.
EDS is undertaking multi-year policy research into adaptation and how the country can implement a new framework for managed retreat.
EDS also runs the largest climate change conference in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Climate Change and Business Conference. This brings together over 500 climate change and sustainability professionals, central and local government representatives and politicians, Māori, academics, journalists and activists. It galvanises action and helps narrow our collective focus onto the urgent work that needs to be done.
