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Businesses join forces to tackle climate change

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 12 Jul 2018, 6:20AM
The Climate Leaders Coalition has been created to help New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy. Photo / iStock

Businesses join forces to tackle climate change

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 12 Jul 2018, 6:20AM

61 businesses making up nearly 50% of New Zealand’s carbon emissions have joined forces to tackle the issue of climate change.

They have formed the Climate Leaders Coalition to help New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy.

Convenor Z Energy CEO Mike Bennetts says this is an opportunity to do more in collaboration rather than businesses pursuing their own individual interest.

"We've all agreed to set carbon reduction targets in our individual businesses and we've all agreed to publish our performance against those targets."

Bennetts says in a year he's expecting more businesses to join the coalition.

Climate scientist at Victoria University's Antarctic Research Centre Professor Tim Naish says it is a strong move.

He says it's significant the dairy, aviation and petroleum sectors are on board, but now they have to stick to them.

"Good intentions are great, but they have to deliver on those intentions, and time is incredibly short and we need action now."

Victoria University's Professor James Renwick says the coalition has the potential to make a significant difference.

"They are talking the talk, but will they walk the walk, that's the real question. We need to see what actual actions these organisations are going to take."

LISTEN ABOVE AS MIKE BENNETTS SPEAKS TO LARRY WILLIAMS

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