Topics tagged with 'Transport'
Greens call for agriculture in, forestry out of ETS
20 Mar 2025
Yesterday's failed Emission's Trading Scheme auction is 'another indictment' on the government's climate credibility, says Green Party co-leader and climate change spokesperson Chloe Swarbrick.
Shifting climate behaviours tops conference agenda
14 Mar 2025
Carbon and Energy Professionals (CEP) has just announced the first Keynote speaker for its conference in Auckland in May as Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, MBE.
Despite everything, US EV sales are up 28% this year
14 Mar 2025
In the US, customers are buying while there are still incentives and no extra tariffs.
Govt scrubs climate considerations from procurement rules
13 Mar 2025
The government is consulting on changes which scrap any reference to climate considerations from rules government agencies must follow when tendering contracts.
EU carbon market on course for highest CO2 price in the world by 2030: report
11 Mar 2025
Media release | LONDON: Europe's new Emissions Trading System is expected to have the world's highest carbon price in 2030 at 149EU, BloombergNEF forecast reveals.
Will congestion charging reduce Auckland's emissions?
10 Mar 2025
A bill that could cut congestion in Auckland along with transport emissions passed its first reading in parliament last week.
Putting rainforests into fuel tanks? Groups warn IMO against 'biofuel disaster'
20 Feb 2025
Media release | The International Maritime Organization and its 176 Member States must oppose the promotion of biofuels in international shipping and commit to a future powered by genuine clean energy, say Biofuelwatch and the Global Forest Coalition.
Road lobbyists undermining climate policy: research
17 Feb 2025
Road lobbyists in New Zealand are using a well-known "playbook" of techniques to influence transport and climate policy decisions, undermining progress towards a sustainable transport system, according to new research.
There isn't enough 'sustainable' aviation fuel to make a dent in our emissions - and there won't be for years
13 Feb 2025
Burning SAF actually emits a similar amount of CO2 to fossil jet fuel. Most emissions 'savings' come from how we account for the waste and renewable energy that is used to produce it.
Global EV sales surge 18% but speed bumps lie ahead
13 Feb 2025
1.3 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide in January - down by more than a third from December's record-breaking numbers, but up 18% compared to the same month last year.
Airbus delay signals turbulence for hydrogen-powered aviation
11 Feb 2025
A plan to decarbonise aviation in New Zealand is up in the air after airplane manufacturer Airbus announced significant delays for its development of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.
Pukekohe rail electrification completed
3 Feb 2025
Media release | The completion of the Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification project will provide commuters with more reliable and efficient journeys and help reduce congestion on our roads, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Logging train revival to help 'deteriorating' Napier-Taihape road
29 Jan 2025
By Linda Hall, Local Democracy Reporter | Logging trains are back on the tracks running five days a week on the Napier-Palmerston North line to Napier Port, taking trucks off the 'deteriorating' Napier-Taihape Rd.
How to cut your transport emissions - and get there faster
20 Dec 2024
By Emily Mabin Sutton | OPINION: What do two lime trees, a 30kg duffel bag, a full supermarket shop and a deck chair have in common?
Govt ferry plan puts climate change commitments at risk
12 Dec 2024
Opposition parties are among a chorus of voices criticising the government’s 'omnishambles' ferry announcement, saying it has created further uncertainty while setting the country up for more carbon emissions.
Second emissions reduction plan still off-track
11 Dec 2024
The government has released its final emissions reduction plan for 2026-30, copping criticism for relying on unproven technology such as carbon capture and storage, as well as failing to meet crucial climate targets.
Fullers360 adds electric hydrofoiling vessel to tourism fleet
10 Dec 2024
The addition makes Fullers360 the world’s first major ferry operator with a certified electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel in its fleet.
Green Party releases alternative climate plan
9 Dec 2024
The Green Party wants to take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme and instead create biodiversity credits for afforestation.
Sails make a comeback to cut shipping’s huge carbon footprint
9 Dec 2024
The international merchant fleet of more than 100,000 ships transports more than 80% of global trade. But it’s also responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
National Party clocks most emissions from air travel
6 Dec 2024
The National Party recorded estimated emissions of 999.16 tonnes for the first half of 2024, the highest among all parties.
Hamilton off-track to reduce emissions
5 Dec 2024
Hamilton City Council is making progress against its 2030 climate targets but Hamilton’s city-wide emissions increased by 6%.
Low-carbon campaigners call for rail-enabled ferries
2 Dec 2024
As the country waits for the government to announce its plans for the interislander ferries, rail advocates fear that losing rail-enabled ferries could threaten the country’s ongoing ability to decarbonise transport.
Public transport hike 'nail in the coffin' for emissions reductions
28 Nov 2024
The government’s plan to hike public transport fares will increase traffic, air pollution, and emissions, according to critics.
Labour slams National Party’s lack of action on climate
28 Nov 2024
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has attacked the National Party’s recent performance on climate, saying National has given up on climate action.
Green’s EV fringe-benefit tax bill voted down
28 Nov 2024
Green MP Julie-Anne Genter had hoped National might consider backing her EV fringe-benefit tax bill because it was once a policy in the party’s 2020 manifesto, but those hopes were dashed.
Princess Cruises confronted by climate protestors
28 Nov 2024
Media release | Climate Liberation Aotearoa gave Diamond Princess cruise ship passengers an informative spirited welcome to Ōtepoti Dunedin on Tuesday.
Lyttelton Port releases first nature-related disclosure
22 Nov 2024
Lyttelton Port Company has released New Zealand's first nature-related disclosure in Aotearoa New Zealand based on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures framework.
Company merger to electrify marine technology
20 Nov 2024
Marine technology companies ZeroJet and Tectrax, both specialists in electric systems, are set to merge.
Climate science inspires Wellington kids to drive down school-run emissions
20 Nov 2024
Media release | Primary school students at Silverstream and Seatoun schools are busting out their bikes, scooters, and walking shoes in attempt to curb carbon dioxide concentrations outside their school – with a little help from GNS Science atmospheric greenhouse gas sensors.
Why (and how) I’m taking the two tonne challenge
15 Nov 2024
OPINION: By Emily Mabin Sutton | To meet our “fair share” of international climate targets, every person on Earth needs to emit less than 2.5 tonnes of carbon each year by 2030. But what does this look like in reality in New Zealand?
International eyes on Cook Strait ferries
13 Nov 2024
Media release: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Ferry Taskforce is backing the call for the new Interislander ferries to be publicly-owned and rail-enabled.
The world’s best hope to beat climate change is vanishing
13 Nov 2024
To have a chance against global warming, key economies and industries need to hit crucial emissions targets by 2030. They’re far off track.
Govt could make significant domestic reductions towards second NDC - but needs to hurry up
8 Nov 2024
The government could find much of the needed emissions reductions for its next Paris Agreement pledge at home – but needs to get on with it, says new analysis from the Climate Change Commission.
Are Air New Zealand's biofuel hopes just pie in the sky?
1 Nov 2024
By Liz Kivi | Air New Zealand and LanzaJet say a study shows promising results for turning wood waste into jet fuel. However, experts say that making jet fuel from wood at an industrial scale is challenging and extremely unlikely to result in near-term emissions reductions.
Canterbury locks in more emissions with new diesel ferry
30 Oct 2024
While Wellington and Auckland are cutting carbon with moves to electrify their ferries, Environment Canterbury has locked in at least eight more years of emissions with a brand-new diesel vessel for its only passenger ferry service.
US and European hydrogen stock prices collapse as prospects deflate
30 Oct 2024
Projects face lower than expected demand, regulatory uncertainties and growing investor scepticism.
Total emissions up 1.1 percent in June quarter
23 Oct 2024
Increase in the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation was the main driver behind a rise in total GHG emissions for the June quarter, according to Stats NZ.
Public EV chargers are good for business as well as the planet
23 Oct 2024
Research shows that businesses with charging stations nearby see an economic boost.
Slight increase in EV sales - but uptake lagging behind other countries
22 Oct 2024
Electric vehicle sales staged a modest revival along with a mild increase in overall vehicle sales, according to an analysis by Forsyth Barr.
Toronto and Montreal move ahead with fossil fuel ad restrictions on transit
22 Oct 2024
The motions are backed by federal anti-greenwashing laws aiming to stem the tide of misinformation produced by Canada’s oil and gas industry.
Legal action filed against minister of transport over Clean Car Standard
14 Oct 2024
The Better New Zealand Trust, with the support of Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc, is taking the Government to court over what it says is an unlawful decision to weaken the Clean Car Standard.
Companies that fought climate action now accused of price gouging Hurricane Milton evacuees
14 Oct 2024
For years, United, American, and other airlines have led massive lobbying efforts against regulations to prevent climate change.
Genesis deal with ChargeNet gets mixed reaction
10 Oct 2024
Genesis Energy last week announced its intention to take a 65% shareholding in ChargeNet, New Zealand’s largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
Exported gas produces far worse emissions than coal, major study finds
8 Oct 2024
New research challenges the idea that sending liquefied natural gas around the world is a cleaner alternative to burning coal.
Barcelona is turning subway trains into power stations
4 Oct 2024
Barcelona is using its subways’ regenerative braking to power trains, stations and neighbourhood EV chargers. Could other cities do this?
$27 million subsidy for low emissions heavy vehicles
24 Sep 2024
Last week the government announced $27.75 million for the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund, to subsidise the purchase price of low and zero-emissions heavy vehicles.
Surprise benefit of London's fines for high-polluting cars: More active kids
23 Sep 2024
Four in 10 London children stopped driving and started walking to school a year after the city's clean air zone went into effect.
Norway sees electric cars outnumber petrol models
20 Sep 2024
Norway, one of the world's largest exporters of oil, now has more electric cars on its roads than petrol-driven vehicles.
‘Grave concerns’: experts plead with govt not to increase speed limits
17 Sep 2024
A coalition of experts is urging the government to drop its plan to increase speed limits, in an open letter arguing it will lead to more deaths and higher health costs as well as increased emissions.
Climate shouldn't be politicised: Carr
17 Sep 2024
By Shannon Williams | Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr said it "defies belief" that the climate is a political debate.
Conservation bill risks climate goals, lawyers say
Today 12:00pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Lawyers for Climate Action NZ says the Government's plan to change the law to encourage economic development on conservation land could undermine New Zealand's climate goals by weakening the land's ability to store carbon, as well as allowing new sources of emissions such as mining.
Carbon markets and biochar: a golden opportunity for NZ?
Today 12:00pm
By John O’Brien | COMMENT: New Zealand’s abundant and increasing forestry waste could become a multi-billion dollar opportunity for biochar carbon sequestration – as long as the right policies, programmes, and incentives are in place.
$30m airline fund risks ‘burning public money’ without lasting benefit – expert
20 Mar 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A $30 million government package to support regional air routes risks delivering poor value for money while increasing emissions, according to transport strategist Tim Adriaansen.
Airline CEOs warn EU plan to expand carbon costs will raise fares
10 Jun 2026
Europe's biggest airlines have urged the European Union not to extend its Emissions Trading System to cover international flights, warning the move would raise ticket prices, a letter seen by Reuters showed.
Upton warns of 'expensive mess' if catchments carved up
Today 12:00pm
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has warned the Government risks creating an "expensive mess" if it abolishes regional councils without first deciding which environmental functions must still be managed at catchment or regional scale.
Inaction on shipping decarbonisation could cost NZ up to $94b by 2050, report says
Tue 30 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | Failing to support and enable the decarbonisation of the shipping industry could result in losses of $17.5 billion to $94.4b to the New Zealand economy by 2050, according to a report from the Aotearoa Circle.
BNZ and Pāmu team up on ‘carbon insetting’ with existing native forests
Tue 30 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | BNZ and state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp) have teamed up on what they say could be a model for landowners to earn revenue from existing native forests, while businesses pay for carbon removals. The organisations involved say this is “not offsetting,” with less stringent rules needed than for carbon credits.
World Bank to abandon goal to devote 45% of lending resources to climate change projects
Today 12:00pm
The World Bank Group said on Monday it will "retire" its previous goal to devote 45% of its annual lending resources to projects with climate co-benefits, but extend its longstanding Climate Change Action Plan that was due to expire on Tuesday.
Carbon auction failures show ETS working, Watts says
23 Jun 2026
Failed government carbon auctions show the emissions trading scheme is working as intended rather than broken, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.
China's coal power on the rise again in 2026, reversing first-in-a-decade decline
Thu 25 Jun 2026
China's coal-fired power generation is set to rebound this year from its first fall in a decade, analysts said, due to the impact of El Nino and the Iran war and as renewable sources of energy have failed to keep pace with demand.
Politicians need to lead on climate: Carr
Tue 30 Jun 2026
As the election campaign heats up, former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr has a list of actions he's hoping to see from our aspiring leaders, which includes confronting climate denial as well as refusing funds or policy advice from vested interests.
Green building council calls for clean energy policies
18 May 2026
The New Zealand Green Building Council has released its 2026 election manifesto calling for policies to reduce energy waste in buildings, lower household and business energy costs, and improve New Zealand’s energy security.
What Magyar’s defeat of Orbán in Hungary means for climate and energy
21 Apr 2026
Hungary has played a disproportionate role in EU climate and energy policy in recent years, by repeatedly vetoing climate action and by delaying the phaseout of Russian fossil-fuel imports.
Forestry at heart of ETS problems – commissioner
24 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Forestry is a central driver of growing problems within New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton told the Environment Select Committee during Parliamentary Scrutiny Week.
A tale of two electricity systems as NZ and Australia roll out new cost-saving measures
Today 12:00pm
By Oli Lewis | New rules requiring electricity retailers to offer time-of-use pricing plans, where consumers can access lower-cost electricity at off-peak times, have come into effect.
Environmental groups call for ETS reform
20 Feb 2026
Several environmental organisations are calling on political parties to make climate and biodiversity central to the 2026 election campaign, with reforming the Emissions Trading Scheme seen as a key priority.
Climate scientist wins 'emerging scientist' prize
Today 12:00pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | University of Waikato scientist Luke Harrington has been awarded the Prime Minister's MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for developing new ways to measure how climate change is increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather.
High Court hearing highlights the 'shrinking pool' for fisheries research and science
22 Jun 2026
Media release: Environmental Law Initiative | At the close of a four-day High Court hearing challenging the government’s under-levying of the fishing industry, the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) says more science, research and observer coverage is needed to protect marine wildlife and ecosystems from the impacts of fishing.
Offshore oil and gas rush threatens whale corridors and coral reefs
Today 12:00pm
From coral reefs in Kenya to Caribbean seagrass meadows and whale migration corridors in the Arctic, a surge in offshore oil, gas and liquefied natural gas development is spreading into some of the world’s most ecologically important marine habitats, according to a new analysis.
Savings gap doubles: all-electric households stand to save $3000 a year, report finds
Mon 29 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | The economic incentive for households to electrify has become more compelling, although overcoming upfront installation costs remains a barrier.
Cabinet green-lights $55M super-critical geothermal drilling programme
9 Jun 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | Cabinet has agreed to release the $55 million unspent of the $60m secured by Resources Minister Shane Jones to drill up to 5 kilometres deep into super-critical geothermal heat under the Taupō volcanic zone.
Carbon capture and the need for ‘net zero oil’
16 Jun 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | The answer to making carbon capture and storage work is to make fossil fuel producers responsible for making it happen rather than consumers, says Oxford University climate change policy expert, Professor Myles Allen.
Govt climate claims don't match reality, lawyers say
17 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Lawyers for Climate Action has accused the Government of presenting an overly positive picture of New Zealand's climate progress at the United Nations climate summit in Bonn, arguing key claims on emissions reductions and support for the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal are not reflected in domestic policy.
Lake Onslow pumped hydro consortium secures funding for consent push
Fri 26 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | The consortium behind Lake Onslow pumped hydro has secured funding to finalise its resource consent application, aiming to lodge it under the fast-track process before 2027.
Ballance secures gas for 2026 as it progresses energy transition plan
16 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | One of the largest industrial gas users in New Zealand is working on an energy transition plan to futureproof domestic fertiliser manufacturing, while continuing to secure ongoing gas supply contracts.
$75k up for grabs for climate resilience and inclusion projects
Thu 25 Jun 2026
Community organisations and charities working to strengthen climate resilience and social inclusion can apply for a share of $75,000 through the QBE Foundation's 2026 Local Grants.
Climate law change spanner in the works for Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry
19 Dec 2025
By Liz Kivi | The Government’s controversial changes to New Zealand’s legal framework for climate policy have thrown a spanner in the works for a long-running Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry into climate change.
Smith files High Court case against Govt move to block climate lawsuits
Mon 29 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | Climate activist and iwi leader Mike Smith has filed High Court proceedings challenging Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith's decision to introduce legislation to outlaw climate tort litigation.
Commissioner ‘unconvinced’ LNG is the best dry-year solution
Fri 26 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has told the Energy Minister he is “unconvinced” the government’s proposed LNG import terminal is the best ‘dry year’ solution for the country, and criticised the Government’s “extremely limited” options analysis.
Electric bus fleet coming as Go Bus loses Hawke’s Bay city routes to Tranzit
Today 12:00pm
By Linda Hall, Local Democracy Reporter | Go Bus will be gone on the urban streets of Hawke’s Bay next year as a fleet of all-electric buses takes over the runs.
Climate risks could reshape business finances, new guidance warns
15 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New guidance warns climate change is set to fundamentally reshape financial outcomes for businesses, including difficult-to-model climate “tipping points” – irreversible changes such as ice sheet collapse or ocean circulation shifts – which threaten severe and sudden financial impacts.
UN chief says fossil fuel industry must cut methane for warming “relief”
Thu 25 Jun 2026
UN chief António Guterres called for stronger action to cut emissions of planet-heating methane, taking aim at the fossil fuel industry’s practices and profits, and pointing to coal, oil and gas as the root of today’s climate and energy crises.
Media round-up
Fri 26 Jun 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: the UK Government is questioning whether New Zealand's oil and gas investment breaches its free trade deal; the Infrastructure Commission warns the government to slow down its LNG plans; and Shane Jones has a grim visitor outside the Environmental Defence Society's conference.
What whale poo reveals about survival in warming seas
Tue 30 Jun 2026
Media release: University of Auckland | During his morning runs, Rod Keogh had no doubt that the whale poo he saw washed up on the beach had value. Science has finally caught up with him.
Hipkins pans LNG plan as ‘massive step backwards’
19 May 2026
By Liz Kivi | Labour leader Chris Hipkins has told a Queenstown audience that a Government he leads would not proceed with a planned LNG import terminal, if elected at November’s election.
A real ‘intergenerational equity’ budget would address Australia’s unceasing environmental decline
15 May 2026
Labor has unveiled a budget designed to tackle intergenerational equity in Australia through bold tax reform.
Next Govt must restart action on plastic pollution
Today 12:00pm
Media release - Zero Waste Aotearoa | Plastic Free July begins with an urgent call to put plastic pollution back on the political agenda. Plastic Free July is a worldwide campaign to reduce plastic waste and eliminate single use plastics.
Northern Thai residents march for action on polluted rivers. ‘This is an emergency’
9 Jun 2026
More than 600 residents of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces embarked May 31 on a roughly 68-kilometer, six-day ‘peace walk’ to demand the Thai government take action on the river pollution crisis that has seen Thai rivers polluted with heavy metals.
US defence spending on critical minerals surges in the last decade
22 Jun 2026
Members of communities affected by some of these projects said that U.S. state backing has meant projects are being fast-tracked without the necessary social and environmental checks or meaningful consultation.
Sustainable finance taxonomy for energy sector – consultation
8 Jun 2026
The Centre for Sustainable Finance is consulting on the sustainable finance taxonomy’s draft energy sector criteria.
Fed Farmers back National’s plan to slash solar red tape
Tue 30 Jun 2026
Media release | Federated Farmers says the National Party's commitment to make small-scale solar projects a permitted activity is exactly the commonsense farmers need.
Labour won't scrap RMA replacement laws: Hipkins
Fri 26 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins says New Zealand needs to move beyond the "repeal and replace" approach to resource management, confirming the party would amend rather than scrap the Government's RMA reforms, if elected.
Kiwi named among world's climate science elite
Tue 30 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand climate scientist Kevin Trenberth has been recognised as one of the world's most influential climate researchers after earning top rankings for scientific citations on two international platforms.
Carbon trading schemes cut more emissions than carbon taxes, according to global study
20 Mar 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Carbon trading schemes are more effective than carbon taxes at reducing emissions, cutting fossil fuel use, and accelerating the shift to renewable energy, a global study has found.
Lack of finance stalling sustainable innovation – report
12 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A lack of access to suitable finance is threatening growth in New Zealand's sustainable innovation sector, despite strong confidence and ambitious expansion plans among purpose-driven businesses, according to a new report.
Pacific climate response in question as NZ finance remains unclear
19 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | With New Zealand's $1.3 billion international climate finance commitment set to end with no clarity on what follows, the Auditor-General says oversight of that funding remains patchy and long-term outcomes are unclear.
‘Those blocking climate science are not our friends': Pacific leaders warn at Bonn talks
23 Jun 2026
Pacific nations and civil society groups have united at UN climate talks, pushing back against efforts to weaken agreed language on global temperature limits as negotiations continue behind closed doors.
New refrigerant scheme targets potent greenhouse gases
18 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand is set to introduce its second regulated product stewardship scheme under the Waste Minimisation Act, targeting synthetic refrigerants that account for around 2% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
Waikato Council advances water security action plan
23 Jun 2026
Waikato Regional Council has endorsed a new action plan to strengthen the region’s water security.
Increase in wildfire-driven ozone linked to premature deaths across the U.S.
10 Jun 2026
Smog linked to wildfires is getting worse across much of the U.S., playing a role in more than 300 additional premature deaths every year since 2013, researchers say.
New Zealand faces $26b energy infrastructure challenge, report warns
15 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand will need an additional $26 billion of investment in energy infrastructure over the next 30 years to meet its decarbonisation goals, with a new report warning that policy certainty is critical to unlocking the renewable generation needed to power a low-carbon economy.
