Journal article
Why New Zealand must rapidly halve its greenhouse gas emissions
S Metcalfe, A Woodward, A Macmillan, M Baker, P Howden-Chapman, G Lindsay, S Hales, D Sinclair, R Jaine, L Springford, A Holmes, G Laking, R Jones, H Carr, R Edwards, C Shaw, S Wells, J Hosking, A Forde, M Bismark Show all
New Zealand Medical Journal | Published : 2009
Abstract
New Zealand must commit to substantial decreases in its greenhouse gas emissions, to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on human health, both here and internationally. We have the fourth highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the developed world. Based on the need to limit warming to 2°C by 2100, our cumulative emissions, and our capability to mitigate, New Zealand should at least halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (i.e. a target of at least 40% less than 1990 levels). This target has a strong scientific basis, and if anything may be too lenient; reducing the risk of catastrophic climate change may require deeper cuts. Short-term economic costs of mitigation have been ..
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