Stuart Smith
National MP
Kaikoura
There are no easy answers when it comes to reducing emissions. Some call for a significant reduction in energy consumption to mitigate emissions, but that would have a significant impact on our standard of living.
Others argue that the efforts of smaller nations, like New Zealand, to reduce emissions are futile in the face of the growing emissions from nations such as China and India. Alex Epstein’s assertion that three billion people still consume less electricity than a typical refrigerator serves as a stark reminder of the disparities that exist.
The link between access to energy and life expectancy is something we take for granted in the developed world but is a precious gift in the developing world. Take PNG, for example.
The case for more energy not less was brought home to me by Zawenuca Tanga’s initiative to install a micro-hydro system in Papua New Guinea.
Tanga’s goal of energy independence is a quest for improved living standards and better health outcomes, as it could replace indoor cooking fires, which are a serious health risk.
I was surprised to find that the cumulative carbon emissions of the United Kingdom from the beginning of the industrial revolution to today are slightly less than China’s emissions over the past seven years. And therein lies the challenge.
As the developed world seeks to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the developing world’s desire for a better life increases emissions. The latter aligns with the Jevons Paradox, a concept dating back to 1865, which highlights that efficiencies gained in resource usage often lead to an increase in demand rather than a reduction.
China’s and India’s continued investment in coal-fired power stations, despite the environmental consequences, highlights the challenge of reconciling development with environmental considerations.
In fact, China authorized the construction of 106 GW of coal-fired power stations in 2022 alone, equivalent to building two Huntly power stations per week.
The perverse outcome of our government’s choice to limit gas exploration, a cleaner substitute for coal, serves as a reminder that ideology should not trump good sense.
What we need is innovative solutions. The vision should not solely be about curbing consumption, but about sustainable development that underpins our lifestyles whilst protecting the environment.
The National Party Electrify NZ policy will turbo-charge the abundance of renewable energy, which in turn will reduce emissions and get New Zealand Back on Track.
