just.

Of course in the New Zealand context, it has to be acknowledged that C&C has been avoided in the consulation phase and now we find a select commiteee choking on ‘common ground for ‘a framework’.

This is sheeting home now that David Parker’s Biofuel Bill is under scrutiny. Absent a framework the ‘mandating’ of ecology imperatives (percetn of biofuel in petrol and diesel) sees BigOil not only invited to the table but guaranteed protection from ‘local’ boutique fuels that people want to buy, all the while PAH/PM10 pervades our cities and our health.

If fuel market mandates are necessary then what exactly was ETS supposed to achieve?. If ETS’s aspirational goals cannot even send a signal to BigOil then how can it be expected to work on a micro scale. The Public are rightfully sceptical and are looking for a better answer.

C&C’s ‘framework’ delivers merits, mitigates harms and incentivises best practice on a global scale. Absent a framework, we are blind to potential.

EarthDay (22 April) should be used by all of us to lift the game. Ask your media to be a bit more introspective of how we got into this mess and to consider in this election year where New Zealand’s social concience is. This, like Australia, Greece and others will be an ecological election.

At 4.00pm the 22nd I am speaking at ECAN’s CHCH lecture theatre on Kilmore Street on this and more. An audience with tough and vexing questions would really be appreciated. Due to small theatre, ring ECAN and reserve, public seats are limited. [0800 324636] /Blair