These are important questions for all sectors in the NZ economy. They are particularly important for the farming and forestry sectors. Agriculture, unlike the rest of the OECD countries, is where most of NZ's greenhouse-gas emissions are generated. Methane coming from sheep and cattle as they digest feed is by far the largest single source. Agriculture's share has decreased since 1990 as total livestock numbers have reduced.
Carbon credits are also an important issue.
Much of this new forest is owned by farmers. There have been big increases in emissions in the industry and transport sectors. Clearly they will be looking at ways to offset the costs of reducing their emissions. The industrial players are already part of the climate change policy debate. For several years now industry has been sending observers to international negotiations in places like Kyoto, Bonn and Buenos Aires.