Abstract

The New Zealand Government has stated its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol to address climate change. This has set in train a period of intensive policy development to assess the implications, derive policy measures and establish the appropriate legislative framework to carry out these intentions. Agricultural emissions in New Zealand, and particularly ruminant emissions, place New Zealand in a unique position compared to other developed countries. Ruminant agriculture provides both a potential solution and a threat to New Zealand meeting its targets under the Kyoto Protocol. The Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change has indicated that research is an important element in seeking to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. Animal science has an important role to play. Animal science in New Zealand is at the cusp of a new and exciting era. Any advances that scientists can make in unravelling, and finding practical solutions to reducing nitrogen throughput and methane emissions, whilst maintaining or increasing animal productivity, will have significant economic value to New Zealand. The background to the Kyoto Protocol, the Government’s response, and the opportunities provided to animal scientists, are discussed.

GJ, Rys

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 62, Palmerston North, 202-205, 2002