Highest Priorities

			Climate change We have international commitments to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and need to take action to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. We plan to do this by focusing on environmentally sustainable transport and energy use, and to investigate ways to reduce methane, our largest source of greenhouse gases. We will also help New Zealanders adapt to changes in the climate.

			Genetic Modification The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification gave us its report in July 2001. Now we will create and implement a long-term strategy for New Zealand’s approach to genetic modification. The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification gave us its report in July 2001. Now we will create and implement a long-term strategy for New Zealand’s approach to genetic modification.

			Hazard and waste reduction We are committed to making the new system for managing hazardous substances work effectively and to tackling existing contamination. Longer-term we aim to move New Zealand businesses and households towards zero waste.

			Protecting biodiversity, air and water Action to protect biodiversity, air and water is critical to delivering the simple things people want. We need consistent national standards and joint initiatives to find solutions to particular problems, along with national policy, support and guidance for action at the local level.