News

New Zealand's natural heritage threatened by 20 years of environmental inaction

28.05.2012

Less than a month before world leaders meet at a major environmental summit, a WWF’s report warns that New Zealand is falling short on important commitments made at the Earth Summit 20 years ago on greenhouse gases, water quality, land and marine biodiversity, fisheries and education for sustainability. “While it is important for the government to constructively engage in the upcoming summit, we should not lose sight of the many commitments that already exist,” said Chris Howe, Executive Director of WWF-New Zealand. Although the picture looks bleak with its (polluted rivers and lakes, rising greenhouse gas emissions, pressured marine ecosystems and disappearing bird and mammal species), the report points to solutions that can help New Zealand improve its environmental record and restore integrity to its international commitments.

Photo (c) Thomas Becker / Flickr