March 22, 2018
Transition plan essential as world heats up
Climate Change Minster James Shaw says the transition from fossil fuels will take decades, but it is essential to have a plan if we are to get there.
A Greenpeace petition delivered to parliament last week calls for no new exploration permits for oil and gas,
Mr Shaw says even if that was done, there are existing licences running into the 2040s, so fossil fuels will be round for decades to come.
But the Green leader says as minister he is looking a how realistic targets can be set and what will happen to the people affected, particularly in regional areas.
"What we need to do is ensure we have got a really clear plan because the uncertainty is what make things worse for people, that we invest in that transition economy, that we are constantly looking for new industries where people can use the skills they have at the moment and to transfer into higher wage jobs than they’ve got right now," Mr Shaw says.
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