2020 target: Dear Nick Smith (nick.smith@ministers.govt.nz), (2020target@mfe.govt.nz)

Dear Mr Smith,

My understanding of the science indicates 350 ppm is a prudent target if we want to avoid dangerous climate change.

"If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm." - Hansen et al, http://arxiv.org/abs/0804.1126

I favour targets that achieve this level by 2050 - and that means urgent action now. There is no more important task for all of us.

Would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.