An internationally acclaimed climatologist has taken a swipe at 4WD owners in New Zealand, saying they are ruining the environment.
 
Professor Stephen Schneider, who is visiting New Zealand and has briefed six American presidents on climate issues, says it is vital kiwi motorists downsize.

Dubbed the "Remuera tractor", the 4WD is becoming increasingly popular for cruising city streets. 

But Schneider says New Zealanders' reliance on gas guzzlers in suburbia is contributing to changes in the weather.

"It is increasing crowdedness, it is endangering the smaller cars where people are socially responsible and at the same time it is increasing greater dependence on foreign oil and increased greenhouse affect," says Schneider.

The SUV market now makes up more than 10% of New Zealand's 2.1 million car fleet.

Schneider credits their appeal to slick advertising that doesn't inform motorists of the environmental risks.

"The auto companies exploited it shamelessly on why the car is cool and you're going to get the woman and you are going to impress your kids and drive this big monster," says Scneider.

He believes an Australian proposal where higher insurance rates are placed on the Remuera tractor may be worth looking at.

"I went to talk to the Insurance Australia Group and they were talking about a guzzler sipper tax.  They wanted to charge their customers with gas guzzlers more and rebate the difference back to the...efficient cars," says Schneider.

Schneider says cutting back on SUV use won't be a complete solution, but everything helps in a bid to cut pollution.