NZ’s climate commitments: is self-flagellation the price of global leadership?

NZ’s climate commitments:  is self-flagellation the price of global leadership?
Then California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses the 2009 Copenhagen global climate change summit (Image: Getty)
Adrian Macey and Dave Frame
In Glasgow last year, New Zealand announced that it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by the year 2030.This Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) was judged, by NZ officials, to be our fair share of the global effort needed under the 2016 Paris agreement.Only about 30% of this target would be met at home.The remaining 70% would need "offshore mitigation" – which can mean carbon markets, offsets or direct investment. But always, NZ paying others to reduce their emissions.That 70% is an uncapped liability since it de...

More Policy

Labour’s tax plan by the numbers
Policy

Labour’s tax plan by the numbers

Labour has chosen a small target CGT and a popular health target.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Oct 2025
Labour's CGT: 'the moderates have won'
Economy

Labour's CGT: 'the moderates have won'

A 'first step' policy that may not raise much revenue.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Oct 2025
Online gambling receipts balloon amid efforts to regulate sector
Policy

Online gambling receipts balloon amid efforts to regulate sector

Offshore online gambling providers filed $290.3m of GST receipts in six months to July.

Gregor Thompson 28 Oct 2025
How Pharmac's set-up risks higher health costs
Economy

How Pharmac's set-up risks higher health costs

Pharmac's fixed budget discourages use of cost-saving medicines common elsewhere.

Pattrick Smellie 23 Oct 2025