5 Dec 2012

Greens say NZ position causing backlash at climate talks

11:02 pm on 5 December 2012

The Green Party says the Government's position on the Kyoto Protocol is causing a backlash at international climate change talks.

The Government announced in November that it would not be signing up to the second commitment period of the protocol, when the first runs out at the end of 2012.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says New Zealand is being shamed at the United Nations conference.

He says delegates at the Doha talks are discussing excluding New Zealand from international carbon markets because of its position on Kyoto.

Prime Minister John Key says New Zealand can hold its head up high when it comes to climate change action - particularly with regard to its research into ways to reduce agricultural emissions.

Climate Change Issues Minister Tim Groser will address the conference on Wednesday.