Dear New Zealand:

We are hearing that the climate change minister feels a bit neglected. COP 19 is nearly over and not even one NZ fossil! Usually by now you could expect at least two or three. Quite frankly, it’s because no one could be bothered.

As the Minister is fond of pointing out, New Zealand is only a teeny tiny part of the world’s emissions. And so is NZ’s ambition. The 5% net unilateral target trumpeted by New Zealand in the plenary is weaker than business as usual.

When they seek a bilateral to ask for something, ECO wonders why anyone would bother. Because when it comes to tackling climate change, it sure doesn’t bother New Zealand.