Foundation for Science, Research & Technology

The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology invests in research, science and technology on behalf of the New Zealand government.

The New Zealand government sees climate change, and how we deal with it, as one of the most important issues of our time. Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark has 'issued the challenge that New Zealand aspire to be a truly sustainable, and even a carbon neutral nation.’

The government has increased funding for climate change research. It was reported in September 2007 that the annual investment round by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology includes $150 million to investigate how to promote sustainability and respond to climate change. Additional to this, the New Zealand government has developed a number of programmes and policies to encourage change, including:

• introduceing a Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill to provide incentives to reduce greehouse gas emissions;
• New Zealand Energy Strategy;
• New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy;
• an Update of the New Zealand Transport Strategy with a vision for a sustainable transport future; and
• a planned pathway to sustainability, including aiming for a carbon neutral public service.
  

New Zealand’s climate change solutions: An overview, September 2007
Foundation for Research Science & Technology website