Topics tagged with 'Agriculture'
Burning southern forest shows up carbon risk
26 Feb 2010
A forest fire burning near Dunedin is highlighting the risk of natural disasters to carbon.
Scientists aim to unlock ag-gas emissions secrets
26 Feb 2010
Understanding some of the trickiest aspects of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions is the first job of the new Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, says its director.
Have your say on forest credits allocations
26 Feb 2010
Submissions open today on the way in which carbon credits will be allocated for pre-1990 forests.
Food supply cracking under people pressure
26 Feb 2010
With global population expected to increase by about 2.5 billion by 2050, it might be time to rethink what we eat and how we produce food, says a Harvard Medical School authority on health and environmental change.
UN must probe ‘bias’, says former climate chief
19 Feb 2010
The UN body that advises world leaders on climate change must investigate an apparent bias in its report that resulted in several exaggerations of the impact of global warming, according to its former chairman.
US diddles while China sizzles
19 Feb 2010
By Nick Hodge.- The United States is rarely referred to as a silver-medal nation. But that's exactly what it's becoming with respect to the race for clean energy.
Australian firms eye biochar production
19 Feb 2010
South Australia could become a leader in the generation of renewable energy from organic material following the signing of an agreement between two of the state’s leading environment-focused organisations.
Seven seek top environment awards
19 Feb 2010
Seven businesses will compete for top top honours at Auckland Regional Council's environment awards later this month.
Buy small to create liquidity, says trader
12 Feb 2010
Heavy carbon emitters should be thinking about buying units from holders of small parcels to create a liquid market, says carbon trader Nigel Brunel.
Wind grows share of power generation
12 Feb 2010
Wind generation capacity in New Zealand grew by more than 50 per cent last year and now provides more than 3 per cent of New Zealand's power.
Pachauri toughs it out as pressure grows
12 Feb 2010
A couple of years ago, Rajendra Pachauri seemed destined for a scientist’s version of sainthood.
Changing farming climate is AgResearch focus
12 Feb 2010
A caravan that measures nitrous oxide emissions, software that helps manage soil nutrients and a full programme of measures to keep lambs alive are on display by AgResearch at the Waimumu Southern Field days.
Mighty River wants more after Maori carbon deal
5 Feb 2010
Mighty River Power is looking for carbon deals with more land owners after signing an historic agreement with a Maori incorporation.
Obama retreats from goal of cap-and-trade bill
5 Feb 2010
President Barack Obama said this week for the first time legislation that would require industries to pay for emissions of greenhouse gases might need to be separated from a more popular "green jobs" bill in the Senate.
Rudd and Abbott trade blows over climate schemes
5 Feb 2010
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has seized on an admission by a top economist commissioned to cost Opposition leader Tony Abbott's rival climate change plan that the country needs an emissions trading scheme.
Aussie hotel wins carboNZero certification
5 Feb 2010
Australia's first conservation-based luxury resort, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, is the first hotel in the world to achieve carbon neutral certification from an internationally accredited greenhouse gas certification scheme.
Scientists hot on the trail of burp-maker
29 Jan 2010
New Zealand scientists have mapped a methanogen believed to be responsible for methane emissions from ruminants.
Wanted: New chief for big boys' lobby group
29 Jan 2010
The Greenhouse Gas Coalition wants a new executive director.
Nations must not delay, says UN climate chief
29 Jan 2010
The failure of last month’s UN summit in Copenhagen to agree on ambitious and immediate global action to combat climate change means that the task has become more, not less urgent, the UN’s senior climate official says.
Will this senator kill renewables?
29 Jan 2010
By Jeff Siegel.- Sometimes, talking politics can incite a hostile response.
Credit-rich foresters out looking for buyers
22 Jan 2010
Forest owners are moving to sell last year’s carbon credits as NZUs start to flow into owners’ accounts.
Big players, but most Indians unaware of climate change
22 Jan 2010
Although India has emerged as a key player in global climate negotiations, the average Indian remains unaware of climate change.
Come on, Kiwis, let’s ride the green wave
22 Jan 2010
Les Mills International chairman Phillip Mills argues for the benefits of a green economy.
An alternative lesson from Copenhagen
22 Jan 2010
Otago water resources consultant Dugald McTavish presents his five-point plan for the future.
Treasury gave thumbs down to ETS intensity-based scheme
18 Dec 2009
Treasury told the Government not to adopt an intensity-based scheme for the allocation of free carbon credits to heavy emitters.
NZ might get its way, says business council head
18 Dec 2009
New Zealand might get what it wants on forestry and land-use – providing an agreement comes out of the Copenhagen international climate change talks.
NZ pours $45m into global research fund
18 Dec 2009
New Zealand will put $45 million towards the Global Research Alliance on agriculture greenhouse gases over the next four years.
UN shuts clean coal out of emissions trading
18 Dec 2009
The clean-coal industry has been shut out of the global emissions trading scheme at the Copenhagen climate change talks, dealing a blow to the UK, US and Australia.
Global ag fund missed opportunity, says Chauvel
18 Dec 2009
National’s announcement of the United States, Canadian and New Zealand financial contributions to a Global Agriculture Fund represents a huge missed opportunity for NZ Inc, Labour’s climate change spokesperson Charles Chauvel says.
NZ firm helps British sheep
18 Dec 2009
A New Zealand firm, Rissington Breedline says it is reducing the carbon footprint of British sheep.
Indoor dairying cuts emissions, says expert
11 Dec 2009
Switching to indoor dairy farming would cut New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, says an American researcher.
Organic farming key to cutting emissions
11 Dec 2009
Converting Britain to organic agriculture would cut that country’s carbon emissions by 3.2 million tonnes – the equivalent of taking nearly a million cars off the road, says the Soil Assocation.
NZ does quick ETS rules patch-up after Aussie collapse
4 Dec 2009
The collapse of Australia’s proposed emissions trading scheme leaves New Zealand without a set of rules for the allocation of free credits to trade-exposed heavy emitters.
At last, the forestry show can hit the road
4 Dec 2009
A Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry road show to explain to the emissions trading scheme to forest owners is about to hit the road – a year later than planned.
Greens see jobs aplenty in carbon storage bonanza
4 Dec 2009
New Zealand can create thousands of jobs and store millions of tonnes of carbon, according to new research from the Green Party.
UN suspends approval of China wind farms
4 Dec 2009
The UN body that oversees carbon credit trading has suspended approval of some Chinese wind farms amid questions about how Beijing obtains money through the system.
No-go Nicolson: It's best I stay down on the farm
4 Dec 2009
Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson says he’s doing his bit for climate change by not going to international climate change talks in Copenhagen next week.
Todd takes stake in Crest
4 Dec 2009
Todd Energy has taken a cornerstone shareholding in tidal energy company Crest Energy.
Meridian to appeal Project Hayes decision
4 Dec 2009
Meridian Energy will appeal the Environment Court’s refusal of resource consent for the Project Hayes wind farm, saying it will block nationally-important infrastructure projects if left to stand.
Soil sequestration seen as cash boost for farmers
27 Nov 2009
Soil sequestration of carbon will be a significant income source for farmers in the future, says the head of the Berl economic analysis group.
ETS: What Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says
27 Nov 2009
The Government has secured the support of the Maori Party to enable New Zealand to implement an affordable and workable emissions trading scheme next year.
ETS: Federated Farmers praise handiwork
27 Nov 2009
Federated Farmers has taken cold comfort that its behind-the-scenes lobbying might have saved each New Zealand farm some $27,000 from 2030.
Maori win ETS voice ... and trip to Copenhagen
23 Nov 2009
The Government has done a deal with the Maori Party over the emissions trading scheme that will see iwi consulted over the rules for the allocation of free carbon credits in agriculture and fishing, and taking a seat at the Copenhagen climate change talks.
Opposition gets ready to mount counter-offensive
23 Nov 2009
A carbon price cap of $100, transparency over heavy emitters making donations to political parties, and bringing agriculture into the ETS in 2013 as originally planned are among counter proposals the Labour Party will put up against the National-Maori Party deal to change the scheme.
Smith: Agreement enables progress on climate change
23 Nov 2009
The Government has secured the support of the Maori Party to enable New Zealand to implement an affordable and workable emissions trading scheme next year, Minister for Climate Change Issues Nick Smith says.
Maori Party: Deal to benefit all
23 Nov 2009
New Zealand's role in global warming and its financial commitments are set to be lowered as a result of the afforestation provision the Maori Party has negotiated with the Government.
ETS changes mean tomorrow's NZers will pay 84 per cent of Kyoto costs, says council
23 Nov 2009
The Sustainability Council is sticking by its claim that amendments to the emissions trading scheme will mean that tomorrow’s New Zealanders will have to pay for today’s greenhouse gas emissions.
IN THE HOUSE: Maori Party ETS deal
20 Nov 2009
Parliament yesterday discussed the potential impacts of the emissions trading scheme on Maori.
Forum: Taking agriculture forward with the Emissions Trading Scheme
20 Nov 2009
Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith speaks to the Federated Farmers National Council Meeting in Wellington yesterday.
Governments must vote in favour of moratorium on deep sea mining
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Media release - Greenpeace | The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has ended with Greenpeace saying governments are continuing to fall short in protecting the deep sea.
NZ Post drops science-based climate target
8 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | NZ Post has dropped its science-based emissions reduction target of 42% by 2030 with no plans to replace it.
Airlines risk legal challenges by advertising jet fuel as “sustainable”, NGO warns
18 Jul 2025
Amid suspected fraud in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a new report says the airline industry should stop calling all alternatives to kerosene “sustainable”.
Challenges persist in bid to mine the deep sea, even after boost from Trump
Tue 29 Jul 2025
After years of delay, the deep-sea mining plans of Canadian firm The Metals Company (TMC) now appear to be progressing as it pursues a controversial new path to securing a license to mine in international waters under U.S. jurisdiction.
Sustainability claims questioned as renewable diesel surges
14 May 2025
Critics are sceptical about industry claims of renewable diesel life-cycle greenhouse gas emission cuts and warn renewable diesel carbon releases will surge if sourcing is scaled up, triggering tropical deforestation as producers convert forests to energy crops, such as oil palm and soy.
Carbon prices slide as market awaits ETS decision
Fri 1 Aug 2025
By Liz Kivi | Volatility has returned to the secondary carbon market, with prices sliding again after plateauing in recent weeks, as the market waits for government decisions on Emissions Trading Scheme settings.
The US is sitting out the most consequential climate summit in a decade. It may offer a victory to China
Fri 1 Aug 2025
The Trump administration fired the last of the US climate negotiators earlier this month, helping cement America’s withdrawal from international climate diplomacy. It may also have handed a huge victory to China.
Bearish sentiment lingers for carbon market
11 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The compliance carbon market could be set for a gradual upward trajectory, however unsold volume from the quarterly Emissions Trading Scheme auctions continues to act as ‘a price ceiling,’ according to an expert.
Coal use drove recent emissions increase
Fri 1 Aug 2025
Increased use of coal for electricity generation was a large driver for an increase in New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions in the last quarter.
Is extending Huntly power station to 2035 in consumers’ best interest?
22 Jul 2025
By Simon Orme | COMMENT: Genesis Energy is proposing a cartel to keep high-emitting Huntly Power Station in business to 2035. If extending Huntly has economic benefits, is a cartel necessary?
What does 'drier' really mean in 'green' homes?
Fri 1 Aug 2025
Media release - Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland | Researchers say green-rating systems could improve clarity and effectiveness by explicitly defining ‘drier’ and using two measures of humidity.
Cuts to climate finance put exports in jeopardy: Lawyers
23 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has halved international climate finance, a move aid organisations describe as “devastating,” and which lawyers say could put our Paris Agreement commitments and export market access at risk.
NZ voluntary carbon market’s sad state
14 Jul 2025
By John O’Brien | OPINION: A combination of scandals, challenging economic times, and cheaper offshore carbon credits, mean that the domestic voluntary carbon market in New Zealand remains absolutely tiny.
Bill to restart oil and gas exploration clears final hurdle
Fri 1 Aug 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The government’s Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is set to become law after passing its third reading in parliament last night, with critics calling it humiliating for the climate minister and an embarrassment to New Zealand's international reputation.
Key orange roughy population on verge of collapse, govt considers closure
9 Jul 2025
Media release - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition | New data reveals that New Zealand’s main orange roughy fishery, accounting for half of the country’s total catch, is on the brink of collapse, with one model showing it may have reached that point already, and the government’s considering closing it.
Warmer than usual weather ahead, wetter in north and east, as La Niña signals strengthen
Fri 1 Aug 2025
Media release – Earth Sciences New Zealand | Seasonal Outlook Climate August to October 2025 suggests warm, damp weather, with La Niña’s possible return.
Latest trawl bycatch numbers 'a grim wake-up call'
24 Jun 2025
Media release – Greenpeace | The latest fisheries bycatch data paints a grim picture, with trawlers hauling up thousands of kilograms of coral and killing hundreds of fur seals and seabirds over a 12 month period.
Wilding pines threaten Molesworth Station
Mon 28 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Without increased support, the unchecked spread of wilding pines will continue to creep across Marlborough’s high country – putting iconic landscapes and one of New Zealand’s top five biodiversity hotspots at serious risk, according to an expert.
Last minute change to oil and gas legislation over cleanup costs
Thu 31 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government is expected to repeal the oil and gas ban today, with a last-minute amendment handing discretionary power to two ministers over the controversial issue of decommissioning.
A modest geothermal strategy
Thu 31 Jul 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The Government has unveiled a far more modest geothermal energy strategy than its primary backer, Resources Minister Shane Jones, had sought.
European Central Bank to consider 'climate factor' when lending to banks
Thu 31 Jul 2025
The European Central Bank will add climate change considerations to its lending operations from late 2026, raising pressure on banks to channel financing towards greener sectors as the euro zone seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.
NZ part of hidden global deep-sea network beneath the waves
25 Jul 2025
Media release - Earth Sciences New Zealand | A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand's dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought.
‘Ideological sludge’: How NZ is quiet quitting climate action
17 Jul 2025
New Zealand once stood out as a world leader on climate change. In June it became the first country in the world to abandon a commitment to phase out oil, gas and coal.
Watts talks big on energy reform, but barriers persist
29 May 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Energy and Climate Change minister Simon Watts says the government is doubling down on efforts to boost renewable energy generation, streamline regulation, and drive private sector investment as New Zealand faces mounting energy security and affordability challenges.
Hiringa eyes green methanol plant near Whanganui
Tue 29 Jul 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | Green hydrogen pioneer Hiringa Energy is deep in planning to develop an “eight-to-nine figure” methanol plant near Whanganui, using a combination of biomass and hydrogen produced using renewable energy.
Climate catastrophes are creating a ‘new market reality’ for insurance carriers
23 Jul 2025
Raging wildfires and severe storms contributed to record-high global insurance losses — totalling an estimated US$84 billion — for the first six months of the year.
Will NZ walk away from the Paris Agreement?
20 Dec 2024
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 coalition government focused on fiscal austerity.
Multi-day protest continues at coal mine
Wed 30 Jul 2025
Bathurst Resources has been forced to truck coal from its Stockton mine as climate activists occupy coal buckets at the mine for a third day.
Fund for low emissions transport winds up
Thu 31 Jul 2025
New Zealand’s Low Emission Transport Fund has officially wrapped up, ending a nine-year programme that put hundreds of millions of dollars towards accelerating the country’s shift to cleaner transport.
Urgent action needed to get on track for climate goals - commission
25 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand is making progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but more work is needed – urgently – to set up for future reductions, according to the latest report from the Climate Change Commission.
NZ's latest climate target 'weak' – Climate Action Tracker
24 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's new international climate target to 2035 is weak, and could even allow for higher emissions than the 2030 target, according to a global scientific project that tracks government climate action.
Toxic algae are turning South Australia’s coral reefs into underwater graveyards
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Since March, a harmful algal bloom, fueled by a marine heat wave, has been choking South Australia’s coastline.
NZ govt’s fossil fuel plans could break international law
24 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government could be breaching international law with its plans to subsidise and expand fossil fuel extraction, following a ruling overnight from the world’s highest court.
Tipping points: Window to avoid irreversible climate impacts is ‘rapidly closing’
11 Jul 2025
In the midst of a record-breaking heatwave in Europe, the UK city of Exeter recently played host to the second international conference on “tipping points”.
‘Total infiltration’: How plastics industry swamped vital global treaty talks
Mon 28 Jul 2025
Petrostates and well-funded lobbyists at UN-hosted talks are derailing a deal to cut plastic production and protect people and the planet.
Activists sue US development bank over $4.6bn loan to massive Mozambique gas project
18 Jul 2025
Environmental groups claim loan is ‘unlawful’ in legal filing.
Straterra has a new name: the New Zealand Minerals Council
16 Apr 2025
Media release | Straterra has been renamed as New Zealand Minerals Council, says chief executive Josie Vidal.
Tilting at windmills? Trump’s claims about turbines fact-checked
Thu 31 Jul 2025
The US president has taken a swipe at wind power as the blades visible from his Turnberry golf course turn.
Ocean heatwaves may signal climate tipping point
25 Jul 2025
A recent study that tapped into satellite data has revealed that 2023 marked an unprecedented year for marine heatwaves, with record-breaking levels of duration, reach and intensity across the world's oceans.
Climate groups want UK wealth tax to make super-rich fund sustainable economy
17 Jul 2025
Growing number of campaigners urge government to ensure green investment is not done ‘on backs of the poor’.
Can robot taxis solve NZ's transport woes?
23 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Ministry of Transport has tested the idea of driverless taxis as a futuristic fix. But while new modelling explores how "robotaxis" could ease congestion and reduce car ownership, critics say it misses a crucial point – the country’s worsening transport emissions.
United Nations carbon market rules agreed but concerns remain
25 Nov 2024
New carbon market rules agreed at the fractious UN climate summit will be a relief to New Zealand and Singapore, who were leading the negotiations, but concerns about greenwashing and disadvantaging nature-based solutions remain.
EV sales fall, but it’s complicated
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Imports of fully electric vehicles fell over 50% in value during the 12 months to June 2025, compared with the year ended June 2024, according to Stats NZ.
The ICJ’s ruling means Australia and other major polluters face a new era of climate reparations
25 Jul 2025
By Harj Narulla | OPINION: Australia has found itself on the wrong side of history.
Waste Levy risks becoming ‘slush fund’ under proposed changes – Commissioner
5 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Proposed changes to New Zealand's waste legislation risk undermining public trust in the waste levy scheme, according to Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton.
The struggle for control of the Arctic is accelerating - and it's riskier than ever
11 Jul 2025
As the battle for one of the world’s coldest places heats up, an increasingly fragile security balance may be breaking down, leading to an escalating arms race.
UN University report warns against carbon credits from REDD, tree planting, and improved forest management
13 Jun 2025
But the report stops short of recommending banning the trade in carbon temporarily stored in trees.
For the first time, China invests more in wind and solar than coal overseas
29 May 2025
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, long derided for its heavy carbon footprint, was dominated by wind and solar power projects for the first time from 2022 to 2023, according to a new analysis. But coal plants financed in earlier years are still coming online.
