By Adrian Bathgate
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand will aim to cut its carbon emissions between 10 and 20 percent by 2020, the government said on Monday with the final target depending on the shape of a broader global climate pact under negotiation.
"This target is internationally credible and both environmentally and economically responsible," Climate Change Minister Nick Smith said in a statement.
"It is an ambitious but achievable goal."
New Zealand's total emissions increased 24 percent from 1990 to 2008 and Smith said in late July that setting a bold target would be difficult, given it is far above its present emissions target under the United Nation's Kyoto Protocol.
New Zealand's emissions are supposed to show no increase from 1990 levels during Kyoto's first commitment period of 2008-12.
Smith said the target would be achieved through domestic emission reductions, the storage of carbon in forests and the purchase of emission reductions from other countries.
But whether emissions were closer to 10 percent or 20 percent depended on the level of ambition by other nations to cut emissions and limit temperature increases as part of a pact world nations hope to seal at the end of the year during a U.N. climate gathering in Copenhagen.
The government conducted widespread consultation with the public and businesses prior to setting the target.
Environmental group Greenpeace had been lobbying for a reduction target of 40 percent, while Federated Farmers, which represents the agricultural sector, have said simply holding at 1990 levels by 2020 would be an achievement.
The agricultural sector emits about half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions, the bulk of it methane, which is about 20 times more powerful a greenhouse has than carbon dioxide.
The government is also reviewing the country's emissions trading laws, with a parliamentary committee expected to release its report within a few weeks.
Smith told Reuters in July the government would use the emissions trading scheme as the main tool to fight climate change, and it was the government's aim to have the scheme finalized by the time of the Copenhagen meeting.
New Zealand created an emissions trading scheme late last year, the plan was almost put under review soon after the center-right National-led government won a general election in November.
Smith has previously said New Zealand's scheme will be harmonized with the one awaiting approval by the Australian Senate.
Australia is fighting to push through its own emissions trading scheme that includes a pledge to cut emissions by 5 to 15 percent -- or as much as 25 percent if other countries take equally firm action.
(Editing by David Fogarty)
