Climate pollution static but NZ still on track for first emissions budget, says MfE
Today 12:00pm
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand is still on track to meet its first emissions budget, according to the Ministry for the Environment, despite the pace of emissions reductions slowing to standstill.
Fresh complaint targets hidden LNG modelling
Today 12:00pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Lawyers for Climate Action and New Zealand Climate Foundation have complained to the Ombudsman about redactions in documents released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, challenging its refusal to disclose key conclusions from modelling underpinning the Government’s $2.7 billion LNG import facility proposal.
Media round-up
Today 12:00pm
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: The fuel crisis is a chance for government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, what would it take to tap into New Zealand's oceans energy, and which political parties would subsidise your rooftop solar panels?
Wilding conifers continue to plague Southland
Today 12:00pm
By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter | Fast-spreading conifer trees are causing headaches in Southland as inconsistent funding continues to hinder control efforts.
Latest emissions inventory: ‘Something has gone very wrong’
Thu 16 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 decreased by just 0.1% compared to 2023, in what an expert says is a “terrible result”, compared to faster progress in previous years.
CARBON PRICE
Today 12:00pm
Exclusively for subscribers, the Carbon News NZU Index tracks daily movements in the compliance carbon market across multiple trading platforms.
Carbon ‘stockpile’ up 9 million in March quarter
10 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | The ‘stockpile’ of pollution permits (NZUs) in private accounts has increased by just over 9 million to almost 145 million since the end of 2025, according to the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Authority.
Supply-side pressures and political uncertainty ahead for carbon market
7 Apr 2026
By Kristen Green | ANALYSIS: With failed auctions, a surge of new forestry registrations, and an election a few months away, the NZ ETS in 2026 will be subject to a mix of supply-side pressures and political uncertainty.
Economic contraction will impact carbon market
1 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | While higher fossil fuel prices strengthen the long-run economics of decarbonisation, the current fuel crisis won’t inspire near-term confidence in the carbon market, according to Lizzie Chambers of Carbon Match.
Carbon price: Ups and downs amid geopolitical uncertainty
26 Mar 2026
By Liz Kivi | After ups and downs in recent weeks, the carbon market again broke above the $40 mark this week, with questions around how the Middle East conflict will play out weighing on market confidence.
Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought
Today 12:00pm
The critical Atlantic current system appears significantly more likely to collapse than previously thought after new research found that climate models predicting the biggest slowdown are the most realistic
EU working on jet fuel plan as Iran crisis threatens air travel
Today 12:00pm
The European Union is drafting plans to tackle a looming jet fuel supply crunch and maximise refinery output, officials said.
Middle East war damage to energy assets may cost up to $58 billion, research firm Rystad says
Today 12:00pm
The Middle East conflict could saddle the region with as much as $58 billion in repair costs for energy-linked infrastructure, with oil and gas facilities alone accounting for up to $50 billion, according to a report by Rystad Energy.
Why cheap power could matter more than clean power in the push for net zero
Today 12:00pm
The issue has taken on new urgency as conflict in the Middle East pushes up oil and gas prices, raising fears that high energy costs could persist.
As energy costs rise, some states back off ambitious climate goals
Today 12:00pm
Seven years ago, New York lawmakers set ambitious goals for slashing greenhouse gas emissions with clarion calls about saving the future. Now, with slow progress made and political realities shifting, Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking a delay, saying she wants to save consumers money.
Call to overturn damaging wild river decision
Today 12:00pm
Media release | Forest & Bird has joined the Federated Mountain Clubs and other environmental and recreation organisations in urging the Fast‑Track expert panel to reverse its draft decision approving the Waitaha Hydro Scheme.
CLIMATE CALENDAR
Today 12:00pm
The Carbon News calendar of talks, events, conferences, consultations, and petitions related to climate change.
LION commissions 3MW electric boiler at Speight’s brewery
Wed 15 Apr 2026
Media release | LION has commissioned a 3MW electric boiler at Speight’s Brewery, marking the completion of a $7.2 million project that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase energy demand flexibility and security for central Dunedin.
EDS says fast-track gold mine poses unacceptable environmental risks
Tue 14 Apr 2026
Media release | The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has filed detailed legal submissions and expert evidence opposing the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, warning that the mine presents significant environmental risks, major uncertainties, and overstated economic benefits.
Severe tropical cyclones Maila And Vaianu threaten communities in Solomon Islands, PNG and Fiji
8 Apr 2026
Media release: 350.org |Two Category 3 Tropical Cyclones are currently moving through the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, while experts watch a third system potentially developing in the North Pacific.