'Inaccurate' methane measure drives NZ climate policy

'Inaccurate' methane measure drives NZ climate policy
NZ's methane emissions need to come down, but measuring them correctly also matters. (Image: Getty)
Adrian Macey and Dave Frame
New Zealand has promised cuts to greenhouse gas emissions using a measure that substantially overstates the global-warming effect of constant levels of methane emissions, say climate change experts Dave Frame and Adrian Macey.In the third part of a series being published by BusinessDesk, setting out how NZ reached its climate change policies, Frame and Macey argue that the so-called GWP100 measure used to calculate methane emissions “greatly overstates the warming caused by NZ’s methane in relation to the Paris Agreement’s lon...

More Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025
Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope
Policy

Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope

Nearly half of NZ's biggest companies increased their emissions last year.

Michael Neilson 13 Nov 2025
Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger
Policy Analysis

Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger

The review has been described as a ‘rare opportunity for genuine transformation’. 

Ian Llewellyn 10 Nov 2025