Warning of mass deforestation after govt's Kyoto pull-out

A warning of mass deforestation, now that the Government is walking away from the Kyoto Protocol.

Climate Change Minister Tim Groser says as of next year New Zealand will align climate change efforts with countries that are collectively responsible for 85 percent of global emissions.

Kyoto Forestry Association spokesman Roger Dickie says that decision will lead to foresters cutting down trees and looking at the use of their land for a better return.

"The sad thing is that the forest industry will soon surpass tourism, (will) be our second biggest export industry and yet there will be massive deforestation. So it's totally against what the government themselves said when they came into power."

Mr Dickie says the Government had promised that foresters would get their carbon credits and on that basis people invested in forestry.

"Some people have invested large amounts in carbon forests, based on the government policy and what they were saying. For some people they'll lose tens of millions I would think. Everybody feels totally let down by the government's decision."

Roger Dickie says the Emissions Trading Scheme now has no muscle and will disappear down the gurgler.

Photo: Getty Images