Comment on: Climate Change White Paper 9 November 2011 Patrick Dowling
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Public Participation Short comment period for White Paper Watered down between G&W papers Ordinary people must feel informed, involved, motivated and effective. National Committee on Climate Change – good … with PP 3
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Economic issues Support Carbon tax but need to avoid costs simply passed on - business as usual Ethics of Carbon capture and trading need to be unpacked Emissions pricing system only partially cover externalities Thus financial and environmental costs for society Amend Consumer Protection Act 5
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Marine Environment More MPAs needed to mitigate BioD related and fisheries disasters Avoid development in high risk zones Coastal defence limited application Staged withdrawal needed Close gaps in shipping related legislation 7
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Ecosystem approach Supported but … Borrow from: Link to climate jobs Needs to be seen as key EIAs less tick box processes Beware of offset arguments Mitigate potential disasters Borrow from: Permaculture Biomimicry Eco - agriculture etc Link to climate jobs Mitigates disaster 9
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Public Transport Support for deliberate roll out of integrated transport systems Shift to non-fossil fuels Incentives for efficiency and emission reduction 11
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Waste Not included sufficiently as … Indicator of unsustainable industrial/commercial activity Reusable resource Reduction in all sectors needed to show decoupling of extraction and economic activity Promote EPR 13
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Environment as Public Good the environment is not an infinite resource well A public responsibility that needs urgent rehab 15
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Time Frames Support ambitious and deliberate targets Problems of delay include: Ppm CO2 accumulation – 600 Mt p/a too high More difficult and expensive measures later Decline in international reputation Disfavour in Africa Societal lethargy Constitutional infringement Missed opportunities Too much focus on new developments Must address all activities in all sectors And all spheres of government 17
Hard Work Needed 18