Science reforms could further erode climate expertise

Today 10:30am - Foresters have welcomed the government’s sweeping science reforms, but leading climate scientist James Renwick fears a further erosion of expertise from the research sector.

Carbon price up - but still too low to drive decarbonisation

Today 10:30am - Carbon prices on the secondary market went above the $64 mark yesterday for the first time since December’s partial auction clearance.

Media round-up

Today 10:30am - In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: Critics say a plan to put pine trees on DOC land is half-baked; a new study has found microplastics in compost; and an expert says it's not too late to rein in further warming as 2024 is confirmed as the warmest year on record.

"Drill, baby, drill" – local experts slam Trump's move to quit Paris Agreement

Thursday - President Donald Trump's move withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement has been greeted with criticism in Aotearoa, with experts and politicians voicing concern.

Simon Watts named energy minister

Thursday - Climate change minister Simon Watts has also been named energy minister in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s cabinet reshuffle.

Meri Kirihimete

20 Dec 24 - This is our final issue for the year as the Carbon News team takes a break over the summer holidays. We’ll be back with more crucial climate coverage from New Zealand and around the world from January 23.

Emissions trading scheme surplus over-estimated, says EY

20 Dec 24 - The emissions trading scheme has about 22% fewer surplus units than government figures suggest, according to a new report.

NZ’s dairy industry faces an uncertain future – its fate now lies in its ability to adapt

20 Dec 24 - New Zealand’s dairy sector faces an uncertain future due to several challenges, including water pollution, high emissions, animal welfare concerns and market volatility.

Waitangi Tribunal kicks off inquiry into climate change policy

20 Dec 24 - By Liz Kivi | The Crown has contributed to worsening the climate crisis as well as exacerbating impacts on Māori communities, a Waitangi Tribunal panel heard this week.

Govt will 'fiddle the numbers' on climate target: Carr

20 Dec 24 - Climate Change Commissioner Rod Carr is predicting the government will use 'creative accounting' to minimise the amount of offshore mitigation it needs to buy, which is currently estimated to cost...

Will NZ walk away from the Paris Agreement?

20 Dec 24 - By Geoff Bertram | COMMENT: Unless the government can find very cheap offshore mitigation, the temptation to walk away from its Paris Agreement obligations may well be too strong to resist for a...

What should carbon offsets really cost?

20 Dec 24 - By Jamie Heather | COMMENT: Today’s carbon prices would seem absurd in any other context.

How to cut your transport emissions - and get there faster

20 Dec 24 - By Emily Mabin Sutton | OPINION: What do two lime trees, a 30kg duffel bag, a full supermarket shop and a deck chair have in common?

Climate change, 1990s style. What have we learned?

20 Dec 24 - By Robert McLachlan | COMMENT: In 1992 Statistics NZ called cars one of the biggest threats to the global environment. Thirty two years later New Zealand still has one of the highest rates of car...

NZ submits first Paris Agreement progress report

19 Dec 24 - New Zealand has submitted its first report to the UN on how the country is tracking towards its international climate target to 2030 under the Paris Agreement.

Siloed thinking hindering solutions to climate, health, and food crises – report

19 Dec 24 - 'Siloed thinking' is holding back solutions to biodiversity, human health, climate change, water, and food security, according to a new report.

NZ’s government may ask the public to underwrite the risk of fossil fuel exploration – this could be unlawful

19 Dec 24 - By Nathan Cooper, University of Waikato | After reversing the ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration permits, New Zealand’s coalition government is now considering whether to share the risks of...

Govt confirms new ETS forestry fees

18 Dec 24 - The Government has confirmed new fees for forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme, which will start from January 2025.

Fast-track bill passes third reading

18 Dec 24 - Yesterday saw a flurry of pre-Christmas lawmaking in Parliament that could have far-reaching impacts for climate and environment, with the controversial fast-track bill set to become law, as well as...

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