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International action
International agreements
Many countries are now taking steps to combat climate change.
The first major attempt to coordinate global action was an international agreement called the ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’ (UNFCCC). The Convention was adopted in 1992. The UNFCCC’s objective is to stabilise greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous climate change caused by human activities.
The Kyoto Protocol – named after the Japanese city where it was finalised in 1997 – sets legally-binding targets for the greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries. The Protocol aims to reduce the total greenhouse gas emissions of those countries to five percent below their 1990 levels over the period 2008–2012 (otherwise known as the First Commitment Period or CP1). Negotiations are also under way on further commitments after 2012.
Thirty-six countries have greenhouse gas targets as part of the Kyoto Protocol. Under the agreement, these countries can meet their targets by reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions, and by reducing emissions in other countries.
Countries are also working together outside of the United Nations through various international technology partnerships or other approaches – for example, the G8 and the Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate.
The Asia Pacific Partnership – formed in July 2005 by Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United States – is a partnership between governments and industry which focuses on developing technologies to contribute to cleaner development.
New Zealand’s international response
International engagement is an essential part of the New Zealand Government’s climate change response. New Zealand is a Party to both the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. New Zealand is also involved in several international technology and research partnerships and the government is exploring how New Zealand industry might benefit from the work of the Asia Pacific Partnership.
New Zealand has bilateral climate change partnerships with Australia and the United States, and the government helps Pacific Island states in their efforts to address climate change.
As the world works on how best to tackle climate change beyond 2012, New Zealand is supporting efforts to cut global emissions, especially by the major emitting countries. The government is continuing to influence the shape of international action so we can limit the impact of climate change here at home.
If you walk, bike or carpool you’ll be reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted through pollution from vehicles.
