9 December 2010
New Zealand can't commit to specific emission cuts until rules around forestry are worked out, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith said at United Nations global climate talks in Cancun, Mexico.
New Zealand was committed to playing a constructive role to secure a legally binding and comprehensive agreement, he said.
"New Zealand's emissions are so sensitive to variations in forestry rules that we cannot commit to a specific future target until they are clear."
The Government wants rules to allow forests planted pre-1990 to be harvested and re-planted in other parts of the country. It also wants to be able to lock up emissions where wood is harvested but used in the production of furniture rather than have it count as being consumed and its emissions released on felling.
Dr Smith said New Zealand also wanted an open debate on fossil fuel subsidies.
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