Incremental change to the emissions trading scheme is inevitable, climate change minister Tim Groser says.

New Zealand’s crunch in the emerging global climate change accord is whether or not to opt for emissions trading schemes.

The government is signalling a move against the widespread purchase by major carbon emitters of cheap international carbon credits rather than using New Zealand-based units derived from activity that either offsets or reduces total carbon emissions.

Prime minister confirms changes tipped on NBR Online this morning.