Topics tagged with 'Greenhouse Effect'
Brown’s climate aid millions turn out to be loans - with interest
19 May 2008
Britain’s £800 million international project to help the world's poorest countries adapt to climate change is under fire after it emerged almost all the money offered by Prime Minister Gordon Brown will have to be repaid with interest.
Ice cores show greenhouse gases have never been at higher level
19 May 2008
The newest analysis of trace gases trapped in Antarctic ice cores now provide a reasonable view of greenhouse gas concentrations as much as 800,000 years into the past, and are further confirming the link between greenhouse gas levels and global warming, scientists reported the journal Nature.
30-year trial shows organic farming is the way to go
19 May 2008
A 30-year scientific trial shows that organic practices could counteract up to 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas output.
Regulating greenhouse gases will generate a lot of money -- who should get it?
19 May 2008
A US climate-change bill that has widespread support as it heads to the Senate floor will create an estimated $150 billion of new assets in the first year it takes effect.
Research links fertiliser to huge increase in nitrogen emissions
19 May 2008
Agricultural fertilisers washed into the ocean are causing an eightfold increase in emissions of one of the worst greenhouse gases, according to new research published in the journal Science.
ETS will trim Kyoto bill $909 million, pushes Key further out on policy tightrope
16 May 2008
The emissions trading scheme will avoid a 15 to 50 million tonne rise in emissions between 2008 and 2012, Climate Change Issues Minister David Parker has told Parliament, in what appears to a ground preparing statement ahead of National leader John Key’s ETS policy announcement this Sunday.
Expert tells businesses: Wake up, it’s happening now
16 May 2008
New Zealand businesses that fail to act now on carbon face a real risk of losing market share, with many already feeling the financial impact of the new way of doing business, says PWC partner Julia Hoare.
Warming climate is changing life on global scale, says new study
16 May 2008
A vast array of physical and biological systems across the earth are being affected by warming temperatures caused by humans, says a new analysis of information not previously assembled all in one spot.
The Global carbon trading market takes flight
16 May 2008
Paul Ezekiel travels regularly from his Manhattan office to emerging markets like China and Brazil, prospecting for clean energy projects.
At last, Nats to tell us where they stand on the ETS
15 May 2008
National will break its silence on Sunday on where it stands on the Government’s emissions trading scheme.
Booming biofuels company shows how it can be done
15 May 2008
Gull has stolen a march on the big fuel companies and proved that the Government’s initial biofuel target can be met.
Two billion trees planted to fight climate change
15 May 2008
More than two billion trees were planted around the world as part of the UN's campaign to combat climate change, the world body's environment programme (UNEP) said this week.
Greens leader slams Rudd’s budget boost for climate change
15 May 2008
The Rudd government's first budget, which earmarked $2.3 billion for climate change action, has not impressed Australian Greens.
Water emerges as climate change priority in Australia
15 May 2008
The importance of water to Australia is signalled by water security efforts getting a significant share of funds in the $2.3 billion climate change vote in the Rudd Government’ first budget.
Angry Greens ask Government: Is it us or them?
14 May 2008
The Government is in the firing line from both National and the Greens over its performance on the emissions trading scheme.
Fletcher role revealed, Government extends credit assistance further than sought
14 May 2008
The advice from Fletcher Building which helped persuade Government to make a further $1.3 billion in emission credit concessions to heavy emitters is revealed in an appendix to the interim report of the select committee considering the emissions trading bill.
Select committee probing fate of refrigeration gases in ETS
14 May 2008
The select committee considering the emissions trading bill is looking into “significant issues” including how to treat synthetic greenhouse gases.
Big landowners take centre stage at ETS hearings
14 May 2008
Some of New Zealand’s biggest land owners today will put their argument to Parliament’s finance and expenditure select committee for more flexibility under the emissions trading bill.
Australia signs $2.3b cheque for climate change action
14 May 2008
Australia is to spend $2.3 billion on a climate-change strategy, including $68 million for a domestic emissions trading scheme and $21.8m on the establishment of a Department of Climate Change.
McCain outlines plan to confront climate change
14 May 2008
Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting Senator John McCain says America needs a market-based cap and trade system to curb greenhouse gas emissions, mobilise innovative technologies, and strengthen the economy.
Environment minister drives home the message in Canberra
14 May 2008
Australian members of parliament are being shuttled around Canberra during Budget week in hybrid vehicles under an initiative to trial environmentally friendly vehicles for the Commonwealth fleet.
Climate change could put ‘killer cornflakes’ on the table
14 May 2008
Climate change could lead to "killer cornflakes" with the cereal carrying the most potent liver toxin ever recorded, an environmental health conference has been told.
Select Committee interim report on emissions trading bill
14 May 2008
The Finance and Expenditure Select Committee has issued an 18-page interim report on the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Prefernece) bill.
Spain dishes out $90m to help poor African countries
14 May 2008
Spain plans to help five poor African countries fight hunger and climate change under a $US90 million scheme to help the continent whose people flood to Spain in their tens of thousands each year.
Rio Tinto joins 'capital strike' game, says union leader
13 May 2008
Rio Tinto’s threat to close the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter is the latest move in a “capital strike” campaign by heavy greenhouse-gas emitters to get their own way over the emissions trading scheme, says EPMU national secretary Andrew Little.
Smelter submission actually supports ETS, makes special pleadings
13 May 2008
ANALYSIS. - The operator of New Zealand’s only aluminium smelter supports New Zealand’s desire to introduce an emissions trading scheme.
Little point in NZ carbon trading currency, says business group
13 May 2008
A second major business group is suggesting that New Zealand should be using international carbon instruments instead of creating its own currency.
Shock shipping news puts New Zealand on the spot
13 May 2008
A United Nations study that claims the true scale of CO2 emissions from shipping is three times higher than previously thought, is bad news for New Zealand.
Business decision makers back emissions trading
13 May 2008
Six out of 10 business people agree with the Government’s policy to introduce an emissions trading scheme.
Parker: Clean green energy important to Rio Tinto
13 May 2008
The Labour-led government has already moved to address concerns over the Emissions Trading Scheme legislation raised by Rio Tinto at select committee, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.
Aussie Budget tipped to deliver massive boost in climate change spending
13 May 2008
Australian Treaurer Wayne Swan will unveil a $2.3 billion climate-change programme in today's budget, the biggest investment of its kind.
Caterpillar hopes even the heaviest machinery can have a lighter footprint
13 May 2008
As the global price of raw materials continues to boom, few companies are reaping the benefit as much as Caterpillar Inc, the manufacturer of heavy earthmoving equipment whose name is synonymous with the open pit mines that feed global growth and the airports and highways carved from the earth that drive it.
Australian report: Climate change will boost farm output
13 May 2008
Australian agricultural output will double over the next 40 years, with climate change predicted to increase, rather than hinder, the level of production.
Global consumer study puts climate change onus on brands
13 May 2008
Consumers are calling on brands to take responsibility for reducing the impact of climate change as governments fail to make progress on the critical issue, according to a major global study released today.
Dairy operator eyes $75m loss without forestry offset scheme
12 May 2008
The emissions trading scheme could cost the owners of one of New Zealand’s biggest dairy conversions $75 million and see prime pastoral farmland remain locked-up in plantation forest unless a forestry offset scheme is introduced.
Nats deny any ETS deal with Government
12 May 2008
National is denying reports that it is gearing up to do a deal with Labour over the emission trading scheme, and the Government isn’t commenting.
Most Kiwis believe big emitters running the climate change show
12 May 2008
Most New Zealanders think that big greenhouse-gas emitters are calling the shots on the country’s climate change policy, and a Labour-Green coalition is seen as the best combination to manage change, according to a new poll.
Can National really make the tough calls on climate change?
12 May 2008
ANALYSIS – National may be showing it really doesn’t want to act on climate change.
Experts warn Aussie ETS will cost motorists 10c a litre
12 May 2008
An emissions trading scheme in Australia is likely to increase petrol prices by about 10 cents a litre, energy experts predict.
China says Beijing Olympics 'basically' carbon neutral
12 May 2008
The Beijing Olympics will be "basically" carbon neutral thanks to a series of energy saving measures such as the use of solar power and an afforestation programme, a senior Chinese official says.
Big players flood Europe's cap-and-trade-emissions market
12 May 2008
The success of Europe's thriving market in trading carbon emission credits highlights a major area of innovation there -- and a rare instance where making money and helping the planet go hand in hand.
Falling dollar, weakening CDM hurt NZ carbon investors
9 May 2008
New Zealand’s international carbon investors took a double whammy yesterday, with a falling dollar driving up the local cost of carbon, and news of a weakening international Carbon Development Mechanism (CDM) market.
New poll: Kiwis like ETS delays but want heavy emitters to pay now
9 May 2008
New Zealanders approve of the Government’s billion-dollar decision to delay bringing transport into the emissions trading scheme – but think that heavy emitters should be facing the cost of their emissions now.
Government disputes $80b 'carbon tax' windfall claim
9 May 2008
The Government is disputing a suggestion by Solid Energy chief Don Elder that it could stand to make $80 billion from New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme.
ANALYSIS: Will Don Elder today spell out his dream for New Zealand?
9 May 2008
What did Don Elder hope to achieve by assuming a carbon price of $200 per tonne and almost nil-emissions reduction – to produce a result showing the Government could make a surplus of up to $80 billion from its emissions trading scheme?
Climate change: Aussies aware but reluctant to act
9 May 2008
AUSTRALIANS see climate change as the nation's biggest problem but appear unwilling to change their lives to reduce their large environmental footprint, an international survey has found.
Brits clash with Europe over carbon permit revenue
9 May 2008
The British Government is on course for an embarrassing showdown with the European Union, business groups and environmental charities after refusing to guarantee that billions of pounds of revenue it stands to earn from carbon-permit trading will be spent on combating climate change.
Carbon dioxide turns killer of koalas
9 May 2008
ONE of Australia's most iconic creatures is under threat because its food is being poisoned by growing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, research has shown.
Petrify, liquefy: New ways to bury greenhouse gas
9 May 2008
Turn greenhouse gases to stone? Transform them into a treacle-like liquid deep under the seabed? The ideas may sound like far-fetched schemes from an alchemist's notebook, but scientists are pursuing them as many countries prepare to bury captured greenhouse gases in coming years as part of the fight against global warming.
EXCLUSIVE: Top Fletcher officers played key role in ETS policy switch
8 May 2008
Highly reliable sources have told Carbon News that two senior Fletcher Building executives, Jonathan Ling and Hans Buwalda, were the key players in successfully lobbying Climate Change Minister David Parker for major changes to the emissions trading scheme, announced on Tuesday.
Urban rewilding combats global biodiversity decline
Wed 28 May 2025
Media release | A new study led by the University of Sydney reveals how cities around the world are restoring wildlife to their former habitats in the face of ongoing urban sprawl.
Controversy around NZ’s methane target hits international press
Today 12:00pm
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand’s approach to methane targets has hit international media, with climate scientists from multiple countries penning an open letter warning Prime Minister Christopher Luxon not to weaken methane targets.
Greenwashing is rife in Australia, but could its days be numbered?
Wed 28 May 2025
COMMENT: Have you ever ticked the box to “fly carbon neutral”, had something delivered via “carbon-neutral shipping” or chosen to pay a bit extra to buy “carbon-neutral gas” from your energy retailer?
Help sustainable aviation fuels take off or delay targets, airlines warn EU
20 May 2025
Earmarked funding, risk-reduction tools, and simplified imports top Airlines for Europe’s wish list for the EU’s upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.
Govt's RMA overhaul sparks fears for nature and climate
Fri 30 May 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has opened public consultation on the biggest overhaul of environmental planning rules in New Zealand’s history, with critics warning it puts nature and climate at risk in favour of fast-tracked development and industry expansion.
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.
Govt mulls status quo for ETS auction settings
Thu 29 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has released its consultation on the Climate Change Commission’s latest advice on Emissions Trading Scheme auction settings and volumes, putting forward the option to ignore the commission’s advice to boost auction volumes from 2028-2030.
EU climate chief lobbied Germany to back weakened 2040 goal
Today 12:00pm
The European Commission’s climate chief successfully lobbied Germany’s coalition government to endorse a controversial measure that weakens the EU’s next climate target.
Carbon price too low to fund carbon capture
20 May 2025
The government’s climate target to 2030 is at risk, after revelations that a carbon capture project which the government was relying on to deliver one third of its carbon reductions, might not go ahead.
Fight over coal mine heats up
Fri 30 May 2025
Forest & Bird is calling on the government to create a new scientific reserve covering the Denniston Plateau on the West Coast, which would stop a fast-tracked coal mine.
Trump’s actions are already having consequences for climate, especially for the IPCC - expert
11 Apr 2025
Leading climate scientist, Dr Kevin Trenberth, left the US and came home to New Zealand because of the rise of Donald Trump. In this comment piece, he writes that he is appalled in multiple ways by the so-called “war on science” unfolding through staff cuts and the president’s policy edicts.
Owning a green home could cut mortgage payback time by two years
9 May 2025
A green certified home plus a green mortgage and associated energy bill savings could save Kiwi families up to $98,800 over the course of their mortgage - the equivalent of being mortgage-free several years early, according to new research.
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.
Watts talks big on energy reform, but barriers persist
Thu 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.
“It’s not the car – it’s how we move” – EECA
Today 12:00pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams| New Zealand’s transport emissions conversation has focused heavily on electric vehicles – but Richard Briggs, group manager, delivery and partnerships at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, says we’re asking the wrong question.
Govt budgets $200m for would-be gas investors
23 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | Energy Resources Aotearoa has welcomed the government's plan to co-invest $200 million in fossil gas expansion, while environmental and climate groups have reacted with horror.
Death toll from Nigeria flash floods rises to 151
Today 12:00pm
At least 151 people in central Nigeria are now known to have died following flash floods that destroyed homes and displaced thousands of residents earlier this week.
Oceans Commission must have teeth – minister
14 May 2025
If an Oceans Commission were to be established under the government it would need genuine powers to make change, says Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones.
Environmentalists see forestry changes as dangerous step for Tairāwhiti
Today 12:00pm
By Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter | Tairāwhiti environmentalists have called changes for commercial forestry under proposed Resource Management Act reforms “a slap in the face” and a return to weaker forestry regulations.
Why expensive gas – not net-zero – is keeping UK electricity prices so high
Wed 28 May 2025
The UK’s high electricity prices have become intensely political, with competing claims over the cause of rocketing bills and how best to get them down.
Hotter and deeper: how NZ’s plan to drill for ‘supercritical’ geothermal energy holds promise and risk
2 Apr 2025
By David Dempsey, University of Canterbury | New Zealand’s North Island features a number of geothermal systems, several of which are used to generate some 1,000 MegaWatts of electricity. But deeper down there may be even more potential.
Electrification challenge for politicians, regulators
27 May 2025
Rewiring Aotearoa is calling for stronger political leadership to bring its vision of a cheaper, cleaner and stronger energy system to life, with the launch of its policy manifesto today.
Energy Australia is in court accused of greenwashing. What is the case about and why is it significant?
16 May 2025
Climate group alleges energy giant misled 400,000 customers about ‘Go Neutral’ product, arguing that carbon credits don’t actually remove emissions.
Methanex closure comes early this year
14 May 2025
The almost-now-annual closure of Methanex has come earlier this year, giving more confidence that the electricity system will get through the winter without a fuel shortfall.
What happened to the hydrogen economy?
Today 12:00pm
The hydrogen car that was supposed to carry us into a cleaner future is still not in the driveway. In fact, outside of a few test markets, it’s not in anyone’s driveway.
Climate change could drive surge in foreclosures and lender losses, new study finds
22 May 2025
Extreme weather linked to climate change could spell financial ruin for many American homeowners and lead to billions in losses for lenders, a new study finds.
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.
Energy Australia apologises to 400,000 customers and settles greenwashing legal action
22 May 2025
Energy retailer says carbon offsetting ‘not the most effective way’ to reduce emissions.
Could ‘orange’ hydrogen be NZ’s key to net-zero?
Fri 30 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand could be sitting on resources for a thriving multi-billion-dollar, low-carbon hydrogen economy, which might even be capable of creating a net reduction of carbon dioxide, according to scientists.
Carbon News launches price index
24 Jun 2024
Today’s issue is the first to feature Carbon News’ own carbon price index for secondary market spot prices for NZUs on New Zealand’s compliance market.
New research reveals NZ’s natural resource footprint
Thu 29 May 2025
Media release | New research from the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment reveals that about 107 million tonnes of natural resources were required to produce the goods and services consumed by New Zealanders in 2019 – approximately 21 tonnes per person on average.
World’s nations to gather in France to tackle what UN says is a global emergency in the oceans
Fri 30 May 2025
The world’s nations are gathering in France next month to tackle what the United Nations calls a global emergency facing the world’s oceans as they confront rising temperatures, plastic pollution choking marine life, and relentless overexploitation of fish and other resources.
Europe’s next climate target may already have been agreed in Berlin
Wed 28 May 2025
Germany’s new coalition has adopted a climate stance shaped by talks with the EU’s top climate official, signalling where the bloc may land on a likely upcoming 2040 emissions target.
Warm water affecting Antarctica’s largest ice shelf - new research
22 Apr 2025
While Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf is currently stable, new research shows warm water is reaching up to 170 kilometres under the front of the ice shelf.
NZ's first chance in 20 years to catch up on waste
Fri 30 May 2025
Media release | The government has announced proposals for updating the Waste Minimisation Act and the Litter Act. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Kiwis have a chance to catch up with other countries to reduce our waste and litter.
Dismissals 'massive win' for climate movement
13 May 2025
The outstanding charges against 25 climate activists who disrupted traffic in Wellington have been dropped, a move the group calls a win for the climate movement.
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.
For the first time, China invests more in wind and solar than coal overseas
Thu 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.
A fungus that can ‘eat you from the inside out’ could spread as the world heats up
27 May 2025
Infection-causing fungi responsible for millions of deaths a year will spread significantly to new regions as the planet heats up, new research predicts — and the world is not prepared.
Green budget 'ludicrous la-la land' – govt
15 May 2025
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the budget was "clown show economics" and an "absolute circus".
While govt ‘refreshes’ fund for low carbon trucks, are transport emissions set to accelerate?
Wed 28 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has announced it is updating the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund, however cuts to funds to decarbonise transport in last week’s budget, and potential changes to road user charges, could stall transport emissions reductions.
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.
More than 1 in 4 cars sold globally in 2025 expected to be EV: IEA report
26 May 2025
According to the Global EV Outlook 2025 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2025 is set to be big for EV sales. The report predicts that about one in four cars sold worldwide this year will be electric, despite overall market uncertainties.
Brazil seeks early deals on two stalled issues at Bonn climate talks
26 May 2025
Moving forward work on just transition and implementing recommendations from the Global Stocktake of climate progress are key priorities for upcoming UN negotiations.
Water crisis on the horizon?
26 May 2025
Media release | Sewage contaminating Auckland oyster farms highlights the “dire state” of water infrastructure in Aotearoa, says University of Auckland Associate Professor Daniel Hikuroa.
Global sea levels rise spelling catastrophe for coastal towns and cities
14 May 2025
For around 2,000 years, global sea levels varied little. That changed in the 20th century. They started rising and have not stopped since — and the pace is accelerating.
Tropical forest loss hit new heights in 2024; fire a major driver in Latin America
23 May 2025
Tropical forest loss skyrocketed in 2024, with vast swaths of primary forest consumed by fire, according to new satellite data.
NZ moving too slowly to decarbonise – former commission chair
22 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand's energy transition is too slow and too controlled by vested interests, according to former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr.
