new zealand's carbon dioxide emissions grew by two per cent between 1999 and 2000, indicates the latest annual report on the country's energy sector. "This data represents the size of the challenge faced by the country in meeting its climate change commitments,' said Pete Hodgson, the country's energy minister.

New Zealand's overall carbon dioxide emissions from the energy and industrial sectors increased by 22 per cent between 1990 and 2000, up by 20 per cent from the previous decade. The country's gross carbon dioxide emissions in 2000 were 31.1 million tonnes, compared to 25.5 million tonnes in 1990. According to its Kyoto Protocol commitments, New Zealand has to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2008-2012, or take up the responsibility for emissions above that level. To achieve these targets, the government plans to introduce a series of steps in November 2001. It is also considering introducing negotiated greenhouse deals for energy-intensive industries and the ones with high emissions levels.