NZ’s carbon targets ignored domestic reduction potential

NZ’s carbon targets ignored domestic reduction potential
Were NZ's carbon emissions reduction targets a "relatively arbitrary political decision"? (Image: Getty)
Adrian Macey and Dave Frame
New Zealand has made undertakings to cut greenhouse gases that treat the country’s actual capacity to cut emissions as “irrelevant”, committing the country to pay for carbon credits on international markets to meet most of its obligations, say two senior climate change analysts.In the second of a five-part BusinessDesk series, former international climate change negotiator Adrian Macey and climate change scientist Dave Frame argue that the government made a “somewhat arbitrary political decision” on NZ’s targ...

More Policy

EPA applies to liquidate company on fast-track list
Policy

EPA applies to liquidate company on fast-track list

Energy Farms did not pay costs relating to the application process.

Gregor Thompson 06 Jun 2025
WorkSafe could face big changes if reforms stall
Policy

WorkSafe could face big changes if reforms stall

Workplace safety minister announces big changes, but there could be more to come.

Dileepa Fonseka 03 Jun 2025
Govt announces 'farmer-focused' RMA reforms
Primary Sector

Govt announces 'farmer-focused' RMA reforms

Proposed reforms cover freshwater, farming practice, mining and quarrying.

Pattrick Smellie 29 May 2025
Govt shifting consent priorities towards development
Policy

Govt shifting consent priorities towards development

The Government said it was releasing three discussion documents on the changes.

Oliver Lewis 29 May 2025