Government inaction on climate change is damaging New Zealand's international reputation, placing an impossible burden on future generations says Labour's Climate Change spokesperson Moana Mackey.

"The briefing to the incoming Minister, released yesterday, makes it very clear that overseas perceptions of New Zealand's climate policies impact on our iconic New Zealand brand," Moana Mackey said.

"National's inaction will quickly become a barrier for firms trying to access overseas markets, as we become less able to demonstrate credible policies and commitments to transition New Zealand to a low carbon economy - particularly in the period to 2020.

"This is despite substantial evidence that under current policy settings New Zealand's gross emissions are projected to rise substantially to 2050 and beyond.

"If we do not act now future generations will struggle to meet what are likely to be significant emissions reduction requirements post-2020. They will be forced to make savage cuts in order to meet our international obligations.

"The Government could ease this burden by making considered changes over time. Unfortunately once again, National is happy to load the cost of inaction on our kids rather than show any leadership today," Moana Mackey said.

"National must also be clear about the entry of agriculture into the ETS. Agriculture makes up 50 per cent of our emissions so it is simply not feasible to keep delaying the entry of the sector without impacting on the effectiveness of the trading scheme and our international reputation.

"The Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Economic Development appear to be operating in two completely different worlds. While one is stressing the need for the Government to start taking urgent action on climate change, the other is promoting more oil and gas exploration and lignite mining in Southland which will dramatically increase our greenhouse gas emissions.

"Lowering carbon emissions is not something we can stall, we must walk the talk for a clean, green New Zealand," Moana Mackey said.