Topics tagged with 'Greenhouse Effect'
Forum explores low-carbon futures for local government
31 Mar 2008
“Innovative and forward-thinking councils committed to working on climate change will come together to discuss low-carbon futures for local government at the Communities for Climate Protection®- New Zealand 2008 Forum,” said Diana Shand, National Programme Manager for ICLEI’s Communities for Climate Protection - New Zealand (CCP-NZ) Programme.
Parker says Smith wrong on grand-parenting phase-out
28 Mar 2008
Climate Change Minister David Parker says National spokesperson Nick Smith is wrong to suggest that the European Union (EU) is going to continue grand-parenting its high-emitting industries after 2020.
Ballance: Nitrification inhibitor use tracked by software
28 Mar 2008
Ballance Agri-Nutrient’s nitrification inhibitor science is now recognised by the wider agricultural industry.
Right-Wing Council's Agenda is to Deny Climate Change
28 Mar 2008
City Vision-Labour Councillors are dismayed but unsurprised that Auckland's right-wing Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) Council has done a U-turn on climate change by systematically removing progressive actions and programmes initiated by the last Council from Dick Hubbard's Mayoral Taskforce on Sustainability.
Massive emission savings possible with supply chain changes
27 Mar 2008
As New Zealand businesses start measuring emissions and prepare to face a price on carbon, and new whole-of-supply chain carbon footprint concept could save big companies millions.
Top business speakers appearing at carbon market workshop
27 Mar 2008
Experienced carbon market taders will feature at a Ministry for the Environment and Emissions Trading Group Carbon Markets Workshop in Wellington on April 4.
UK-NZ collaboration on climate change?
27 Mar 2008
The UK Minister for Trade and Investment is expected to provide detail on possible collaboration with New Zealand on climate change issues when he speaks at Auckland on April 4.
A cow of a campaign from the airlines
27 Mar 2008
IATA has launched a campaign opposing airlines' inclusion in the EU emissions trading scheme, on the basis airlines have fewer emissions than cows.
NSW weighs flogging the family silver
27 Mar 2008
A furore over whether New South Wales (NSW) should privatise its mostly coal-fired electricity generation capacity has erupted in the wake of Kevin Rudd’s federal Labor government announcing it will introduce an emissions trading scheme (ETS) in 2010.
Gore-backed group to launch US$300 million climate change campaign
27 Mar 2008
The Alliance for Climate Change Protection will spend $300 million over the next three years on a global warming marketing campaign, USA Today reports.
Now it's spot the cars with stars
27 Mar 2008
Car buyers wanting to save money on their fuel bills will find it easier to choose a vehicle that goes further on a full tank, as a result of new fuel efficiency labels.
Australia's threatened species face extinction due to climate change
27 Mar 2008
Australia's extinction crisis heats up as temperatures rise in the face of global climate change, a new report by WWF-Australia says.
BMW 118d "World Green Car of the Year"
27 Mar 2008
A diesel powered BMW 1 Series has been voted "World Green Car of the Year".
Environmental protests knock millions off Solid Energy's bottom line
26 Mar 2008
In a prescient remark, given Greenpeace’s blockage of the bulk coal carrier Hellenic Sea in Lyttelton a few hours later, Solid Energy chairman John Palmer has warned that customer uncertainty over the ETS is “raising the risk profile for the long-term security of Solid Energy’s domestic coal supply business.”
Government needs to define clean coal future
26 Mar 2008
The Greenpeace action at Lyttelton last night will put further pressure on the Government to define the role of coal within the ETS and the wider battle against climate change. By far New Zealand’s biggest known energy resource is the 11 billion tonnes of low-grade lignite coal scattered through a dozen easily-accessible fields in Otago and Southland.
Three pillars to Wong’s emissions policy
26 Mar 2008
The three pillars of reducing emissions, adapting to unavoidable climate change and helping shape a global solution are at the heart of Australia’s greenhouse gas (GHG) policies, Australian Federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has told Carbon News.
Now it’s petrol giving the Aussies cold feet
26 Mar 2008
Never mind that the participation of agriculture and forestry in the Australian emissions trading scheme (ETS) looks like being left to the respective industries to decide, land transport may be allowed off the hook too.
Lockwood Launches EcoSmart Home
26 Mar 2008
New Zealand building company Lockwood has launched a new range of EcoSmart homes, saying it wants to address increasing concerns about climate change and the impact building and construction has on the environment.
Greenpeace occupies coal ship; calls for real action on climate change
26 Mar 2008
Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior has blocked a shipment of export coal from leaving the Port of Lyttelton.
New network launches to accelerate climate change investments
26 Mar 2008
Yesterday saw the official launch of a global network mobilizing and accelerating investments to tackle climate change at http://www.climatecapital.net (http://www.climatecapital.net/).
Kiwi ETS start-up market so small - traders will go international immediately
25 Mar 2008
New Zealand’s carbon trading volume and price will not be affected by the domestic market when the country’s emissions trading system officially opens later this year.
Garnaut bucks Wong’s exclusion of agriculture: wants all permits auctioned
25 Mar 2008
Agriculture and forestry should be included in the Australian emissions trading scheme (ETS) despite Climate Change Minister Penny Wong’s preference for their exclusion, the Australian Federal Government’s principal climate change advisor, Professor Ross Garnaut says.
Ministry RFP reveals plan to measure tourism's GHG footprint
25 Mar 2008
New Zealand's $18.6 billion a year tourism sector is about to have its carbon footprint measured.
Millions pour into ag emission reduction research projects
25 Mar 2008
Research into the mitigation of agricultural emissions is the biggest beneficiary of the first $5m allocated by the Government under its Plan of Action for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change.
Cut company tax to 25%, Aussies plead
25 Mar 2008
A 5% cut in the company tax rate is being demanded by lobbyist Australian Industry Group (AIG) to cushion business from the financial impact of the emissions trading scheme (ETS) that Kevin Rudd’s Australian Labor Government intends implementing in 2010.
FULL VERSION: Discussion paper on the Australian Emissions Trading Scheme
25 Mar 2008
The Garnaut Climate Change Review has released its ETS discussion paper, which looks at which industries should be included in Australia's ETS, and issues like recycling revenue from the sale of emission permits.
Kelpie Wilson: The Rising Price of Coal
25 Mar 2008
By Kelpie Wilson, truthout Environment Editor. As the global energy/climate crisis deepens, coal has become the starkest symbol and most telling measure of our predicament.
BNZ’s Alexander on NZ ETS: “We’ve got to pull finger”
20 Mar 2008
New Zealand needs to “pull its finger out” on an emissions trading scheme (ETS) before it’s overtaken by Australia, or the Europeans start using theirs as a trade barrier.
Trillion-dollar carbon market targeted
20 Mar 2008
A company that valued the global carbon market at more than a trillion US dollars has leapt into the business of attracting capital flow to ventures mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG) around the world.
ETS briefing: the digest provided to MPs
20 Mar 2008
As a service to subscribers, Carbon news attaches (../../attachments/docs/bill-digest-1587climatechangeemissionstrading1.pdf) the Digest briefing provided to MPs on the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill.
Canterbury tourism operators challenged to join Earth Hour
20 Mar 2008
Earth Hour represents a golden opportunity for Canterbury’s tourism operators to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability, says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince.
No swerving from ETS – Cullen
19 Mar 2008
Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen's office says he is adamant the global economic downturn will not deflect the Government from its decision to introduce an emissions trading scheme (ETS) this year.
Could Clark deliver a personal climate change tax credit?
19 Mar 2008
Could the Clark Government come up with a one-off cash Climate Action Dividend in this year’s Budget, to offset higher costs people will face to pay for its climate change measures?
Queensland drives net solar cost down to under $1500 per household
19 Mar 2008
The announcement follows the inaugural meeting of the Premier’s Council on Climate Change, addressed by one of Australia’s greatest scientific minds, Dr Tim Flannery.
Smith: Chainsaw massacre continues unabated
19 Mar 2008
Figures released on deforestation are nothing short of an environmental disaster, says National's Climate Change spokesman, Dr Nick Smith.
Nitrification inhibitors critical to clean dairying
19 Mar 2008
If every one of the country’s 5000-odd dairy farmers were to spray their pastures with Ravensdown’s Eco-N, nitrous oxide emissions from all of New Zealand’s pastoral farming would be cut to below 1990 levels, the company says.
CARBON NEWS FORUM: BP Chief Executive - Action needed now to smooth transition to low carbon economy
19 Mar 2008
"Across the world we're at an inflection point as far as the future energy mix is concerned. If we act now to develop sustainable regulatory and fiscal structures, we will be able to smooth the transition to a lower carbon economy of the future. If we wait, then that transition could be very difficult indeed" said BP chief executive Tony Hayward at the Third International Renewables Energy Conference.
Forestry, agriculture may not be in Aussie ETS
18 Mar 2008
Agriculture and forestry may be dumped in the too-hard basket by new Labor Government Climate Change Minister Penny Wong, who yesterday announced a timetable for Australia to launch an emissions trading scheme (ETS).
Key backs ETS – with balance
18 Mar 2008
Opposition Leader John Key says his party supports the proposed New Zealand emissions trading system, describing it as “a good model, market-based, it works”. He also talked of further reforming the planning laws so renewable energy projects could proceed.
FRANKLIN SPECIAL INTERVIEW: US well down the climate track
18 Mar 2008
Climate change hold-out the United States might not rush to follow Australia into ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, but behind the scenes it’s moving quickly to legislate for something similar.
Forestry offsetting gains "overwhelming" support
18 Mar 2008
The Flexible Land Use Alliance (FLUA) says it now has "overwhelming" support for a foresty offset scheme in both Parliament and the finance and expenditure select committee now that the National Party has got in behind it.
Business leader says to trust prices to look after the environment
18 Mar 2008
Businesses should reinforce their belief in the power of markets to put a price on carbon and take care of the environment.
Continental plans bio fuel test flight
18 Mar 2008
Continental Airlines, Boeing and GE Aviation have announced plans to conduct a biofuels demonstration flight in the first half of 2009 in an effort to identify sustainable fuel solutions for the aviation industry.
Does Wal-Mart have a message for Air New Zealand?
18 Mar 2008
Wal-Mart is working to lead an effort by major global retailers to create common social and environmental standards for suppliers, a policy which might interest companies like air New Zealand, currently facing questions over its employment by a sub-contractor of lower-paid Chinese cabin crew.
World's glaciers melting at record rate - UN
18 Mar 2008
With global glaciers - a vital water source for millions, or even billions, of people worldwide - melting at a record rate, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) urged countries to agree on a new emissions reduction pact.
The Phoenix Foundation sound their support for Earth Hour
18 Mar 2008
They'll be opening for Split Enz during Earth Hour on Saturday 29 March, but everyone's favourite Wellington-based psychedelic-influenced indie rock band The Phoenix Foundation say they will still be celebrating Earth Hour - in spirit.
EXCLUSIVE: Government to plead for forest off-setting option
17 Mar 2008
The Government will plead with its Kyoto Protocol partners to introduce forest offsetting to the rules covering the second commitment period from 2012 to 2025, but its chances of success are remote, a well-placed source has told Carbon News.
Business wants New Zealand to go nuclear on emission credits
17 Mar 2008
Businesses being required to enter New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme want to be able to trade nuclear-sourced emissions credits.
MPs on track to get emissions bill back to House June 10
17 Mar 2008
Parliamentary Finance and Expenditure select committee hearings on the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill get underway on April 2.
Bio fuel makers: vaibility seriously at risk
17 Mar 2008
Major players in New Zealand’s fledgling biofuel manufacturing sector believe there are severe risks to its viability.
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.
