Topics tagged with 'Greenhouse Effect'
Ban names high-level team to push energy
4 Nov 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced the members of a high-level group tasked with mobilising action among governments, the private sector and civil society to provide clean and affordable energy for everyone.
Scientists call for emissions audits
28 Oct 2011
Leading international climate scientists meeting in Wellington are calling for audits of countries’ greenhouse gas emissions.
Study urges care with harvesting for biofuel
28 Oct 2011
Turning trees into biofuel can release more carbon into the atmosphere than would have been released by fossil fuels, new American research says.
Solar seen as saviour of Great Barrier Reef
28 Oct 2011
The people charged with protecting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are putting their money where their mouths are and going solar.
Dodgy ... that's Auckland City investment
28 Oct 2011
Council for Socially Responsible Investment chairman Dr ROBERT HOWELL questions Auckland City's investment strategy ...
Investment giants call for urgent climate action
21 Oct 2011
The world’s largest investors have urged governments and international policy makers to take new and meaningful steps in the fight against climate change.
Leaders must make changes, says report
21 Oct 2011
In light of recent extreme weather events, as well as long-term disruptions related to climate change, a major new report calls for different approaches to decision making by national leaders.
Why we need to ban industrial CERs soon
21 Oct 2011
A proposed Government ban on industrial CERs should go ahead as soon as possible, says DANIEL WATSON, of Carbon Market Solutions.
Historic moment as carbon tax gets a yes
14 Oct 2011
In what the Gillard Government is calling "a historic moment”, the Australian House of Representatives has passed clean energy legislation which will give the country a price on carbon.
Changing climate could lead to chocolate meltdown
14 Oct 2011
Climate change could transform the cherished chocolate bar into a luxury few can afford, according to a new study.
Islands need help to beat droughts
14 Oct 2011
Drought conditions in some Pacific islands have prompted calls for comprehensive risk reduction steps to be put in place to protect vulnerable populations living in delicate ecosystems.
Abbott will eat his words, says CMS
14 Oct 2011
The Australian emissions trading scheme legislation was passed through that country’s Federal Parliament this week, and is expected to begin being passed into law by the Senate next month.
Philips wins lighting award
14 Oct 2011
Philips Lighting’s work in developing LED technology has been recognised by an international award.
Change a challenge, says pioneer professor
7 Oct 2011
An eminent New Zealand geologist who played an instrumental part in proving the theory of plate tectonics says that getting the public to accept climate change is harder.
Eco question: What price our environment?
7 Oct 2011
A British environmentalist who started the first eco-tourism business in the Galapagos Islands says that New Zealand needs to follow the British example and put some dollar values on intrinsic worth of the environment.
Homeless could reach 200 million, says UN
7 Oct 2011
Climate-related events could force up to 200 million people worldwide to flee their homes by 2050, warns the United Nations.
Agency to aid world of seven billion
7 Oct 2011
The United Nations Environment Programme has joined the 7 Billion Actions campaign, an initiative to encourage individuals, governments, businesses and organisations to take positive actions toward creating a more sustainable world with 7 billion inhabitants.
NZ Steel pockets close to $10m in credits
30 Sep 2011
New Zealand Steel was given nearly 500,000 free carbon credits last year - worth nearly $10 million – to cushion it from the impact of a price on carbon.
Greens demand subsidy answers
30 Sep 2011
The Government is being accused of subsidising the fossil fuel industry while at the same time campaigning internationally for an end to fossil fuel-industry subsidies.
UN to probe green impact of infotech
30 Sep 2011
Agreement has been reached on a globally recognised way of assessing the environmental impact of information and communications technologies (ICTs), and on the use of minerals from conflict areas.
Minister rates ties with Chile
30 Sep 2011
Growing partnerships between New Zealand and Chile on environmental issues will provide long-term benefits, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says.
Green jobs galore, promises Norman
23 Sep 2011
The Green Party has launched a policy it says will create 100,000 new green jobs through business incentives and government leadership.
Cheap, clean energy critical, says UN
23 Sep 2011
A lack of access to affordable and clean energy is hampering the fight against poverty and disease, says the United Nations.
Scientists spring speed checks on wind
23 Sep 2011
Scientists in Australia are taking the first steps to improve estimates of long-term wind speed changes for the fast-growing wind energy sector.
Green Honda wins praise
23 Sep 2011
Honda Motor Company’s environmental commitment has been internationally recognised by the UK-based Carbon Disclosure Project for achieving the highest disclosure scores among Japanese companies.
That's it ... till after the election
16 Sep 2011
The Emissions Trading Scheme has been kicked for touch until after the election.
Farmers could make money from new-deal ETS
16 Sep 2011
Recommended changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme could see farmers meet their obligations through offsetting.
Carbon progress ... early start, late arrival
16 Sep 2011
How does New Zealand’s transition to a price on carbon compared to that proposed for Australia?
ETS review: We've been heard, say farmers
16 Sep 2011
Federated Farmers sees many of the key points for which it has advocated reflected in the Emissions Trading Scheme review panel’s report.
ETS review: Messages mixed, says Labour
16 Sep 2011
The Government continues to have two messages on whether it will include agriculture in its Emissions Trading Scheme, says Labour's Climate Change spokesperson, Brendon Burns.
ETS review: Weak scheme gets weaker
16 Sep 2011
The review of the Emissions Trading Scheme proposes to increase subsidies to climate polluters at the cost of the New Zealand taxpayer and the climate, the Green Party says.
ETS review: Where are emissions reductions?
16 Sep 2011
With each change to the Emissions Trading Scheme, the subsidy regime is expanded and the taxpayer picks up more of the tab, while there is minimal impact on gross emissions, the Sustainability Council says.
ETS review: Check facts, Government told
16 Sep 2011
The Emissions Trading Scheme review report is unjustifiably optimistic on the global climate change response, and the Government is urged to get its own facts before reaching any decisions, Straterra says.
ETS review: Costs will increase, says coalition
16 Sep 2011
The recommendations of the ETS review panel would increase the cost of the scheme to consumers and businesses after next year and are not supported by public opinion, according to the sponsors of an annual survey of climate change opinion.
Australian carbon bills go to House
16 Sep 2011
The Gillard Government has introduced a package of bills to the House of Representatives which it says will allow Australia to seize the economic and job opportunities that will come as the world tackles climate change and shifts to a clean energy future.
Pacific will go hungry, says bank report
16 Sep 2011
Climate change threatens to increase hunger and malnutrition among the Pacific region's poorest people unless there is action soon, says a new report from the Asian Development Bank.
Forests failure will cost plenty, says UN
16 Sep 2011
The United Nations and a coalition of financial institutions have warned that huge losses, both financial and environmental, could result from a failure to agree on a climate change agreement that spurs private sector investment in efforts to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.
Foresters shy at these prices
16 Sep 2011
We have seen a slight recovery this week in the NZU market, as European carbon and global markets bounce off their lows, OMFinancial reports.
Well done New Zealand, says Europe
9 Sep 2011
New Zealand has been congratulated by Europe for its emissions trading scheme.
Plan aims to break ship emissions deadlock
9 Sep 2011
A proposed deal to apply a carbon price to international shipping would tackle the huge and growing greenhouse gas emissions from ships, a new report says.
Greens push for Pacific climate action
9 Sep 2011
New Zealand and Australia can, and must, lead on real action to respond to climate change to save the endangered Pacific Island nations, the Green Party says.
Doctor fears climate treaty challenge
2 Sep 2011
A Maori public health specialist says that the Government is failing to address climate change – and that could leave the way open for a Treaty of Waitangi challenge.
Buildings will go green under $35m fund
2 Sep 2011
The Australian Government has announced $35.2 million in funding to green-up 90 buildings across the nation.
Hotel green scheme makes business sense
2 Sep 2011
Hotels will be able to contribute to climate change mitigation while also increasing their profits under a new green scheme.
Carbon farming becomes reality in Australia
26 Aug 2011
The Gillard Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative has passed through the Parliament to establish a regulated carbon offsets market in Australia.
Further, faster, higher … wildlife responds to climate change
26 Aug 2011
Animal species have responded to climate change up to three times faster than previously appreciated, according to new research.
How investing in ecosystems pays off
26 Aug 2011
Investing in healthy ecosystems can boost food security, improve resilience to climate change and provide economic benefits for poor communities, says a new United Nations report.
What China does is vitally important
26 Aug 2011
Is the world’s largest polluter doing enough to combat climate change, asks Carbon Market Solutions.
Ban puts sustainable development at No 1
19 Aug 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that sustainable development will remain his top priority during his second term as the head of the United Nations.
Ag emissions move difficult, says minister
12 Aug 2011
Measuring agricultural greenhouse gas emissions on an intensity basis is attractive but difficult, our international climate change negotiations minister says.
Climate progress slowing, says Auckland councillor
Thu 5 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The devastating cyclone that tore through Tāmaki Makaurau in 2023 left behind more than just broken infrastructure, sparking calls to focus on facts over ideology in the fight against climate change.
Watts coy about meeting environmental groups over methane target
Today 11:00am
By Liz Kivi | Climate change minister Simon Watts won’t say whether he’ll meet NGOs to discuss New Zealand’s approach to methane emissions, with five environmental organisations joining forces to ask for a meeting to warn the government off weakening methane targets.
Greenwashing is rife in Australia, but could its days be numbered?
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.
Microplastics found in sand on dozens of NZ beaches
Wed 4 Jun 2025
Scientists have extracted microplastics from the sand of 22 beaches from the Far North to Banks Peninsula.
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
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.
BlackRock is off Texas’ blacklist. Where the ESG battle stands now
Today 11:00am
The world’s largest asset manager can now do business with Texas—here’s where it stands in other states.
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
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.
Common low-grade clay strengthens low-carbon concrete
Thu 5 Jun 2025
Media release | Engineers at RMIT University have converted low-grade clay into a high-performance cement supplement, opening a potential new market in sustainable construction materials.
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
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.
Labor accused of ‘gaslighting’ Australians on climate crisis as fossil fuel projects keep getting approved
Today 11:00am
‘They offer sympathy and then just go and approve massive fossil fuel projects anyway,’ one advocate says.
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.
Extreme ocean warming engulfed South-West Pacific in 2024
Fri 6 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Unprecedented ocean warming engulfed the South-West Pacific in 2024, with extreme heat and rainfall causing deadly and devastating impacts and sea level rise threatening entire islands.
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.
Fed Farmers launches campaign against carbon forestry
Fri 6 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | Federated Farmers has launched what they are calling the ‘Save Our Sheep’ campaign, blaming carbon forestry for declining sheep numbers and calling on the government to urgently review the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Gas supply reducing faster than forecast
Thu 5 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | Gas reserves have reduced 27% as of 1 January 2025 compared to last year, according to data released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
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.
Greenpeace Denmark complaint accuses dairy giant of 'systemic greenwashing'
Today 11:00am
"Greenwashing and false marketing will not be tolerated, no matter how big you are and where you are based," said one Greenpeace Denmark campaigner.
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?
Tue 3 Jun 2025
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?
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.
Govt's RMA overhaul sparks fears for nature and climate
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.
Waste Levy risks becoming ‘slush fund’ under proposed changes – Commissioner
Thu 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.
Top ocean experts sound the alarm over growing marine crisis due to climate change
Fri 6 Jun 2025
On the opening day of a global science conference, French fishery scientist Clea Abello presented research showing that marine protected areas could protect commercially valuable fisheries.
New research reveals NZ’s natural resource footprint
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.
NZ's first chance in 20 years to catch up on waste
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.
Global energy investment set to hit record $3.3 trillion in 2025, IEA says
Fri 6 Jun 2025
A surge in clean energy spending is expected to drive a record $3.3 trillion in global energy investment in 2025, despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday.
Tech alone won’t save us, warns climate expert
Wed 4 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Technology alone won't be enough to reach net zero emissions, environmental psychologist Lorraine Whitmarsh told the Carbon and Energy Professionals conference in Auckland last week.
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".
Biochar's negative emissions tech coming to Fieldays
Fri 6 Jun 2025
Biochar Network New Zealand will showcase its negative emissions technology biochar at this year's Forestry Hub at Fieldays 2025.
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.
“It’s not the car – it’s how we move” – EECA
Tue 3 Jun 2025
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.
Europe’s next climate target may already have been agreed in Berlin
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.
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.
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.
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.
