7 Jul 2017

NZ govt acknowledges Pacific climate change statement

9:35 am on 7 July 2017

The New Zealand government has acknowledged, but not endorsed, a statement on climate change made by Pacific Small Island Developing States

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Minister of Social Housing Paula Bennet

Minister of Social Housing Paula Bennet Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

The States called for G20 members at this weekend's summitt in Germany to reaffirm the Paris Agreement.

Pacific states also called on G20 members to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre industrial levels.

New Zealand's climate change minister Paula Bennett said the global community would press ahead with the Paris agenda and that New Zealand hopes G20 members can reach agreement on an outcome.

She said New Zealand makes a significant climate-related contribution to the Pacific, with US$27 million provided to Pacific countries in the 2015 financial year.

Ms Bennett said expert groups on forestry and agriculture are reviewing economic trade-offs New Zealand may need to make to transition to a lower carbon economy.

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