NZ to ‘play its part’ in efforts

WELLINGTON: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit that New Zealand is ‘‘determined’’ to be the most sustainable food producer in the world.

The highlevel meeting in New York has been billed as 2019’s key political event for climate change and Ms Ardern was personally invited to give the opening leaders’ address.

‘‘We are determined that New Zealand can and will play our part in the global effort,’’ Ms Ardern said.

‘‘The situation is stark. It will not be easy.

‘‘But our generation — we — have it within our grasp, not just to prevent the worst, but to build the best possible world for the generations to come.’’

She said New Zealand would lead the way on international collaboration on agriculture and was ‘‘determined to show that we can be the most sustainable food producers in the world’’.

Climate activist and Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg earlier gave an emotional appeal to world leaders, asking how they dared focus on growth when people were dying due to climate change.

The 16yearold said: ‘‘Change is coming whether you want it or not.’’

Ms Ardern admitted New Zealand’s global emissions had increased a little over 23% since 1990 and net emissions were up by 65%.

But she said the Government had an ambitious agenda and the situation was beginning to turn around.

‘‘Our gross emissions peaked in 2006. Over 80% of our electricity already comes from renewable hydro and wind.’’

The summit’s attendees have been restricted to countries which have made certain climate commitments, meaning the notable absence of speakers from nations such as the US and Australia.

Ahead of the event, UN Secretarygeneral Antonio Guterres implored world leaders to bring a plan, not speeches, to the summit. — RNZ