New Zealanders believe climate change and global warming require ongoing government policy, according to a survey from Shape NZ.
The survey asked 3581 New Zealanders their views on the environment, and showed that 89 percent would only support laws that consider the environment.
The New Zealand Institute (NZI) warned in a recent report that New Zealand should be a fast follower, not a trendsetter in its approach to climate change and meeting the Kyoto obligations.
The NZI report We're Right Behind You said New Zealand should position itself now to allow rapid change if needed. The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is also calling for caution when considering policy responses to climate change.
Charles Finny, the Chamber's CEO said New Zealand should move in step with other countries on climate change.
"While there are some positive elements in the government's proposals, we have a number of concerns around the haste of their introduction and the insufficient consultation with business.
"It is imperative that New Zealand does its bit on this crucial global issue," he said.
Reducing New Zealand's net greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels could be a challenge as expected 2008 to 2012 levels are likely to be 15 percent higher.
If New Zealand fails to meet its obligations, carbon credit purchases to offset the country's shortfall have been estimated at $700 million.
Having a staged set of reduction targets towards a 2020 date with some flexibility built in would allow New Zealand to speed up or slow down as necessary, the report said.
New Zealand accounts for 0.15 percent of the total global emissions.
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development said the report suggests reneging on international climate change commitments.
Chief executive Peter Neilson said New Zealand should lead the world in best environmental practices.
"Our clean, green image rests on the world assuming we are leaders in environmental practice. The food and travel miles debates are only beginning an increasing trend in developed economies," said Neilson.
Neilson said consumers are getting more discerning about green products.
"Increasingly consumers are deciding to avoid goods and services from sources which engage in socially or environmentally undesirable practices. This is our chance to be bold, position New Zealand properly, enhance our trading future and improve our quality of life," Mr Neilson said.
Co-author of the report Danielle Boven said it was extremely important to safeguard the New Zealand national brand. "We need to actively manage our brand because many exports depend on this. Our present focus is too short term, we are looking to the future," she said.
It is important for New Zealand to be engaged with Kyoto, she said.
"Trading blocks could emerge. French President Nicolas Sarkozy's recent announcement of a proposed European levy on goods outside the Kyoto protocol is an indication of what may happen," she said.
Some New Zealand businesses are already embracing the environmental challenge.
Climate-friendly Options
Wellingtonian air travellers who are concerned about climate change can use a new tree planting service. Flyandplant.com invites air travellers to donate $5 per hour of flying time, which helps purchase native plants to absorb carbon dioxide. "Most travellers now know that flying damages the earth's climate," said Chris Watson co-founder of flyandplant.com
"The best thing is to minimize our flying and absorb some of our carbon by transforming gorse and pest infested gullies and hillsides in Wellington, into a sanctuary for native trees and birds."
An Auckland hotel is offering a clean environment for travellers. Andy Tan, General Manager of Auckland City Hotel , said creating an environmentally-friendly hotel made sense as there is a global trend towards environmentally conscious travelling.
"Apart from making good economic sense, an eco-aware hotel promotes eco-consciousness within the community," said Tan. "Less electricity used by the hotel means lower emission of gases linked to global warming such as carbon dioxide and improved air quality as a result of less energy usage," Tan said.
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