TPR says the New Zealand has until February next year to pull out of what it says is an essentially flawed agreement that will cost the country at least $600 million over five years paying for CO2 emissions and payment could be as much at $4200 million.
It says the business community and the public have been misled by the current Government over the cost of the agreement and over the so-called benefits, in that New Zealand is a huge supporter of it but has minimal effect on the planet's overall green house gas emissions.
"NZ contributes less than 0.2% of all global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. About 50% of NZ's greenhouse gas emissions come from pastoral animals."
The cost however is prohibitive and will mean rising fuel, energy, consumer goods and food pricing and rising manufacturing and building costs.
"NZ's overseas competition will grow and our exporters will face increased costs.
"Meanwhile the USA, China, India, Brazil and Australia will continue to not ratify Kyoto. The USA alone produces about 21% of annual global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O, CH4). Canada, Germany and Japan have either abandoned their Kyoto targets or are unlikely to meet them."
The company is urging the industry to lobby Parliament on both sides to see the agreement dumped.
"Until February 2008, New Zealanders have a choice and we can pull out to avoid massive penalties to our citizens and our economy at no benefit to the environment."
