Topics tagged with 'Transport'
Time for another look at carbon tax, say farmers
11 Nov 2008
Federated Farmers wants the carbon tax revisited.
People-pods developer woos NZ investors
11 Nov 2008
A company that has patented a lightweight above-the-streets system that could revolutionise public transport says it’s willing to set up in New Zealand – if investors here come to the party.
Hitch-a-ride pioneer adopts TradeMe approach
11 Nov 2008
A small New Zealand internet-based transport-sharing service might be only a month old, but already it has its eyes on the European market.
Fisheries TAG in the wings as others wind down
7 Nov 2008
A fisheries ETS technical advisory group is due to be set up next year, but most other advisory groups are winding up.
Taranaki engineer in move to produce low-cost fuel
4 Nov 2008
New Plymouth's Fitzroy Engineering - the nation’s original oil service heavy engineer - has combined with LanzaTech to implement a process to derive low-cost fuel from carbon monoxide.
No cap and no fixed price on carbon, investors say
4 Nov 2008
An international gathering of finance and carbon market experts has called on the Australian Government to avoid a price cap or fixed price for emissions permits.
TrustPower opens Australian wind farm
4 Nov 2008
New Zealand-based TrustPower officially openied of Stage 1 of its first Australian wind farm, located at Snowtown 170km north of Adelaide, at the weekend.
Aquaflow signs 'significant' US clean-tech deal
31 Oct 2008
New Zealand biofuel pioneer Aquaflow has signed a deal with one of the world's biggest suppliers of oil processing technology.
Exporters fear impact of European emissions decisions
31 Oct 2008
New Zealand exporters say increased costs from recent emissions legislation decisions in Europe will be passed on to customers, but Air New Zealand isn’t talking about the potential impact on the cost of air freight and air travel.
Households up for $1 a day under ETS, says Australian Treasury
31 Oct 2008
Emissions trading will cost Australian households a dollar a day when it starts in 2010, according to economic modeling released yesterday by the federal Treasury.
Cement giant attacks EU carbon trading plans
31 Oct 2008
European cement giant Heidelberg says the European Commission's planned extension of its emissions trading scheme in 2013 could threaten cement production in the EU.
$1-a-litre southern diesel might be closer than we think
28 Oct 2008
Turning Otago Southland's lignite coal reserves into transport fuel might not be the pipe-dream that many people think - despite the Government playing-down the prospect.
E-car entrepreneur eyes charging stations network for NZ
28 Oct 2008
An American company planning to blanket Australia with electric-car charging stations also has its eyes on a network for New Zealand.
Miliband bows to pressure on UK aviation and shipping emissions
28 Oct 2008
The UK government is to announce today that it will include rapidly growing aviation and shipping emissions in Britain's commitment to curb its carbon footprint by 80 per cent by 2050.
Angry airlines condemn EU emissions decision
28 Oct 2008
European Union governments have given formal approval to a potentially costly system of capping greenhouse gases from any airline flying into or out of the trade bloc.
EXCLUSIVE: Government might back first bioethanol plant
24 Oct 2008
The Government is involved in talks which could see a 10-million-litre biorefinery, converting plant material to enthanol, built in New Zealand within three years.
It’s full speed ahead for America’s new energy economy
17 Oct 2008
As fossil fuel prices rise, as oil insecurity deepens, and as concerns about climate change cast a shadow over the future of coal, a new energy economy is emerging in the United States, says sustainability expert Lester Brown.
Buffett millions back first Chinese green car
14 Oct 2008
American billionaire investor Warren Buffett has bought a $232 million stake in China's BYD Co which plans to unveil its first green cars by the end of the year.
Europe stand likely to boost carbon capture technology
10 Oct 2008
Carbon-capture technology research could receive a boost from the European Parliament environment committee decision to back legislation compelling power companies to pay for their emissions from 2013.
UK facing climate decisions crunch time, says report
10 Oct 2008
The UK government and leading businesses must assert their credibility as global leaders in tackling climate change by making the right decisions in the coming months to steer the country towards a low-carbon future, says a new report.
Our shipping treated badly, say West Coast businesses
7 Oct 2008
West Coast business interests say that the carbon emissions trading regime is being deliberately slanted to favour rail over coastal shipping, effectively by-passing Westport and Greymouth as coal exporting ports.
London might get Olympics buses from Ashburton
7 Oct 2008
Ashburton’s Designline appears to have won a bid to supply eco-buses for London’s Olympic Games in 2012.
World Bank makes huge jump in funding of renewable energy projects
7 Oct 2008
The World Bank’s funding for renewable and efficient energy projects in developing countries rose 87 per cent during the past year to nearly $2.7 billion, reflecting the growing interest and demand for environmentally friendly sources of power.
Time for green thinking on the economy, say Greens
7 Oct 2008
It is time for Government to set its sights on a green economy to ensure there will be jobs for New Zealanders, that food will be affordable, and it won’t be out of people’s reach to get around, the Green Party says.
Car makers unhappy with EU changing emissions targets
3 Oct 2008
Worried that carbon dioxide emissions from road transport are rising, the European Union wants to set goals for each car maker to sell more low-carbon models — or face fines if they don't.
Kiwi company claims world first for charcoal
30 Sep 2008
A world-first invention has been unveiled in Blenheim today with multi-billion dollar earning potential and the ability to impact on carbon capture on a global scale.
Bosses know little of carbon risk, survey shows
30 Sep 2008
Most of the people running New Zealand companies have no idea of their enterprises’ carbon risk.
Tourism businesses sign up for energy-efficiency programme
30 Sep 2008
A pilot energy-efficiency programme for tourism businesses is well under way, with nine businesses from around the country undergoing detailed assessments of their energy use.
Hyundai to sell electric cars in New Zealand
30 Sep 2008
Hyundai has announced that it will be the first automotive manufacturer to offer new electric cars for sale in New Zealand - and off the back of local manufacturing.
Turning milk bottles into useful products
30 Sep 2008
Clever thinking by University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering students is set to change the way milk bottles are recycled on Waiheke Island.
Hydrogen economy tumbles down the NZ wish-list
26 Sep 2008
A government-sponsored research project into a hydrogen economy for New Zealand shows signs of having been sandbagged by political parties' moves to suppress debate on coal.
America unwise to pin its hopes on the Chevy Volt
26 Sep 2008
America’s bid for a share of the burgeoning car-of-the-future market has come with the birth of the Chevy Volt electric vehicle. Will it save the world? Not likely, says Fortune magazine senior editor Alex Taylor:
Local ethanol production could ensure NZ farming sustainability
26 Sep 2008
New Zealand farming communities could be growing alcohol based fuels without impacting on the global food supply whilst at the same time benefitting the local environment, says American sustainable farming expert David Blume.
Key must explain Williamson’s rail comments
26 Sep 2008
Maurice Williamson’s warning that a John Key-led government would not invest any new money in Auckland’s rail system shows National cannot be trusted to keep KiwiRail in Kiwi hands, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said.
Bank offers customers fixed-price diesel deal
23 Sep 2008
Westpac is leveraging off its drive into industrial equipment leasing by expanding the package, and is now offering its customers a longer-term fixed price on their diesel supply.
Programme helps firms to get to know their carbon footprint
23 Sep 2008
A new programme to help large emitters to measure their carbon footprint has been launched by Landcare.
Australian carbon credit price doubles as emissions scheme looms
23 Sep 2008
The price of credits in the Australian carbon market has more than doubled over the past 12 months.
EU offers first analysis of carbon leakage risk
23 Sep 2008
Parts of Europe's aluminium, steel and cement industries are likely to qualify for free carbon allowances to compensate them for lost international competitiveness under plans to revise the EU's emission trading scheme, the European Commission suggests in a new analysis.
Want a new Mitsi electric? Don't hold your breath
19 Sep 2008
Only one of Mitsubishi’s i MiEV electric vehicles is confirmed as coming to New Zealand in 2009 for display and evaluation purposes – and there are doubts the car maker will ever bring “useful” numbers them into the country for sale.
Be careful of giving heavy emitters more, Australia told
19 Sep 2008
Australia’s government has been told heavy emitters’ claims for assistance to cushion the impact of that country’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme are “highly contestable".
Kiwi boffin says he can turn tyres into fuel
16 Sep 2008
A New Zealander has developed a compact and mobile refinery appliance that he says can derive automotive fuel from the nation’s dumped tyres.
REACTION: Greens: ETS a first step, time for some big strides now
12 Sep 2008
The passing of the Emissions Trading Scheme is the first small step towards getting New Zealand’s carbon emissions under control – there is still much work to be done, the Green Party says.
Govt all talk and no action, says vehicle emissions group
9 Sep 2008
The Government needs to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to lowering vehicle emissions, says a high-powered lobby group.
Meet Major Holmes, our forgotten father of oil
5 Sep 2008
In the oil-producing Gulf states, he is still known as Abu Naft, the father of oil.
We’ve slashed carbon dioxide emissions, claim US airlines
5 Sep 2008
US airlines have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of what 18.7 million cars produce annually, an industry group says.
India must brace for the worst, warns UN agency
5 Sep 2008
Climate change is likely to have a much greater impact on India than other countries in similar positions, according to an assessment by the South Asia regional office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.
Honda brings back Insight to fight for hybrid market share
5 Sep 2008
Honda is bringing back the Insight name for its newest hybrid model, which will make its world debut in concept form at the Paris auto show in October.
Crammed capital to put its faith in new-look car pooling
2 Sep 2008
Incentives to make it easier for people to car pool will be offered to all workplaces in the Wellington region early next year.
Fishing industry questions new ETS free-units allocation
2 Sep 2008
The fishing sector is relieved that amendments to the Government’s climate change legislation include a major concession to the industry.
Pike River reports A $1.14 million loss
2 Sep 2008
Pike River Coal has reported a $1.14 million loss in the financial year ended June 30, reflecting the development phase of its new mining operation and related one-off costs, it says.
Oxfam calls on Govt to renew climate finance commitments
Today 12:15pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government's failure to renew international climate finance commitments has left Pacific nations short at least $100 million a year, with Oxfam Aotearoa linking the funding gap to New Zealand's weakened Emissions Trading Scheme.
'Terrible result': Emissions barely budged in 2024
Fri 5 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions were virtually unchanged in 2024, falling by 0.03%, despite the economy shrinking by ten times that amount during the same period, according to new data.
$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.
Europe's green jet fuels see upside in Iran war
Wed 3 Jun 2026
Interest in synthetic propellants is growing as the Iran war pushes Europe to reassess its dependencies, raising hopes of a turnaround for the struggling sector, according to industry experts.
Govt injects $10 million into Auckland predator-free projects
Fri 5 Jun 2026
Conservation projects across Auckland will share in a $10 million Government funding package designed to accelerate predator eradication efforts and restore native biodiversity.
Huntly biomass option no cheap fix, Genesis tells MPs
28 May 2026
Genesis Energy says biomass can be burned in Huntly's Rankine units, but current costs put it in roughly the same price range as imported LNG and extra Rankine capacity would be expensive and could take years.
Carbon auction set to fail while new data suggests sharp decline in stockpile
Today 12:15pm
By Liz Kivi | Tomorrow’s carbon auction is odds-on to fail again, even as the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Authority show the ‘stockpile’ of NZUs continuing to decline.
What to expect from the Bonn climate talks
Today 12:15pm
The annual June climate talks in Bonn are taking place this year against the backdrop of an oil and gas supply crisis tied to the Iran war and deadly heatwaves in Europe, India and the Middle East. Can they produce anything substantial to ease the squeeze on economies and communities around the world?
Media round-up
Fri 5 Jun 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: The government must stop delaying decisions on funding climate adaptation, says Gisborne mayor; insurance conference exposes poor preparation for climate change; and Labour questions whether a disappearing climate briefing note was part of a deliberate cover-up.
Lack of demand leads to Bathurst pausing coal mine expansion
Tue 2 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | Bathurst Resources has confirmed it is struggling to find a market for coal from its planned extension of the Rotowaro coal mine in North Waikato, and is putting the project on ‘pause’.
NZ’s sustainable finance credibility gap
Fri 5 Jun 2026
By Manbo He | COMMENT: New Zealand has built serious sustainable finance infrastructure - but risks failing to attract the global capital that infrastructure was designed for, because it lacks the practitioner capability to operate it credibly.
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.
Diesel vs LNG – both high cost options for dry year cover
Today 12:15pm
By Pattrick Smellie | ANALYSIS: While last week’s Sapere report – looking at the Government’s proposed LNG terminal for electricity ‘dry year’ cover – says diesel would be better in the short-term, opting for diesel would lead to higher more volatile electricity spot prices in the next few years.
Waikato launches vision for energy transition bringing $4.5 billion investment to the region
Today 12:15pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Waikato Regional Council has released a strategy aiming to position the region at the centre of New Zealand's energy transition, with plans to boost energy security, cut emissions and unlock billions of dollars in economic opportunities by 2050.
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.
Seven ‘new approaches’ to avoid our Paris commitments: Carr
Thu 4 Jun 2026
Praying for “new approaches” to materialise to meet our international climate obligations isn’t a strategy, writes Rod Carr.
EDS urges MPs to scrap the Fisheries Amendment Bill
5 May 2026
Media release | The Environmental Defence Society today lodged a substantive submission on the Fisheries Amendment Bill.
Nature-based solutions – such as forestry – crucial for carbon removal
Fri 5 Jun 2026
COMMENT: Transitioning from erodible pasture to well-managed forest can yield substantial environmental benefits, writes James Treadwell.
LNG isn’t the best 'dry year' solution – new report
Thu 4 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government’s proposed LNG import terminal isn’t the best solution for ‘dry year’ electricity security, according to a new report.
Govt legislates for more gas market transparency
Tue 2 Jun 2026
The Government has passed its Gas Market Transparency Bill through all stages under urgency, giving itself stronger powers to see into a gas market where tightening supply is creating significant uncertainty for businesses.
RMA to speed up fossil fuel consents
18 Aug 2025
By Liz Kivi | An energy lobby group has welcomed a last-minute amendment to the RMA that puts fossil fuels on the same footing as renewables, however a sustainable energy expert says the move “beggars belief.”
Sustainable finance taxonomy for energy sector – consultation
Today 12:15pm
The Centre for Sustainable Finance is consulting on the sustainable finance taxonomy’s draft energy sector criteria.
NZ’s ‘light‑touch’ approach to voluntary carbon and nature markets may unlock finance but risks credibility
Tue 2 Jun 2026
By Jennifer Campion, University of Waikato | The government’s recent announcement of support for voluntary carbon and nature markets effectively offers a “warrant of fitness” to signal which markets can be trusted, without directly regulating them.
Why ‘greenhushing’ signals deeper issues with NZ’s climate risk reporting regime
15 May 2026
By Hang Pham, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington | Most of us are familiar with the concept of greenwashing: organisations exaggerating or overstating their environmental credentials. But in New Zealand, there are signs the country’s climate disclosure regime may inadvertently be driving a very different trend: not saying much at all.
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.
Victorian Hydrogen announces Southland urea fertiliser project using coal
22 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | Australian-based Victorian Hydrogen has announced it is developing a new 1.5 million-tonne-a-year urea fertiliser operation in Southland, which it will apply for under fast-track legislation.
Media round-up
24 Apr 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: What is the real cost of storm-hit infrastructure? Urgency is needed over climate adaptation funding; and a community conservation group has won a legal victory against multinational mining company OceanaGold.
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.
EU sues Ireland over failure to protect carbon-rich bogs
Today 12:15pm
The European Commission is taking Ireland to court over its failure to protect environmentally crucial boglands from commercial turf-cutters.
Changes to emissions factors prompt caution over climate claims
Thu 4 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Organisations may need to revisit how they calculate and communicate their greenhouse gas emissions after the Ministry for the Environment released an updated version of its Measuring Emissions Guide, incorporating new emissions factors based on New Zealand's latest greenhouse gas inventory.
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.
Move to block lawsuits could strengthen climate case against Govt
14 May 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government’s plan to block climate lawsuits – while potentially fatal for one groundbreaking climate case – could actually bolster claims in another live climate case underway against the Government.
Wetland protections failing to stop losses
28 May 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New mapping commissioned by the Environmental Law Initiative shows wetlands across New Zealand are still being converted to pasture, forestry and mining despite stronger national protections introduced in 2020, with researchers warning enforcement gaps may be undermining the rules.
Renewables alone won’t fix ‘broken’ electricity prices
Thu 4 Jun 2026
COMMENT: While many people agree the electricity market is broken, simply adding more renewables to a broken system isn’t the fix we need, writes Geoff Bertram.
NZ's latest climate target 'weak' – Climate Action Tracker
24 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's new international climate target to 2035 is weak, and could even allow for higher emissions than the 2030 target, according to a global scientific project that tracks government climate action.
Deep South marine reserves boost protection by nearly 50%
Wed 3 Jun 2026
Five new marine reserves protecting more than 300 square kilometres of ocean habitat along the Otago and south Canterbury coast will come into force next month, marking one of the largest expansions of mainland New Zealand's marine reserve network in decades.
Environmental groups sue Trump administration over approval of new ultra deep-water drilling project
23 Apr 2026
Environmental groups sued the Trump administration on Monday over its approval last month of oil company BP’s ultra deep-water drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico.
Willis touting mysterious ‘new approaches’ to meet Paris Agreement
Tue 2 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | Finance Minister Nicola Willis has again said that New Zealand is unlikely to buy significant offshore mitigation to meet the country’s international climate targets.
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.
Six NZ climate solutions up for 2026 Earthshot prize
21 May 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Six New Zealand climate and sustainability initiatives have been nominated for the 2026 Earthshot Prize, with the shortlist showcasing Kiwi-led solutions tackling emissions, plastic waste and ocean restoration.
How campaigners beat industrial farming in Denmark’s ‘pig election’
Today 12:15pm
Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s new government promises overhaul for people – and animals – in home of ultra-intensive farming.
New breed of political prisoner arises in Britain as anti-protest sentences rise
27 May 2026
More people are being jailed in England and Wales as a result of acting to prevent climate breakdown and the war in Gaza, research reveals.
Why China's critical minerals strategy leaves the US behind
Today 12:15pm
The United States cannot realistically recreate that dominance overnight even if the political will existed.
US to ‘kill’ climate disclosure rule
Tue 2 Jun 2026
In the latest action to undo Biden-era regulations on climate change, the Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed repealing a rule that requires some public companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and the risks they face from global warming.
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions drop as renewable energy, batteries surge
Today 12:15pm
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions have dropped, showing signs of a turning point in the country's most polluting sectors.
‘Landmark’ conservation reform bill – boost or bust for nature?
8 May 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government has announced an overhaul of the country’s conservation system, which environmental organisation Forest & Bird says will undo the work of many generations of Kiwis to protect public conservation land.
Researchers say this new Trump rule could destroy American science as we know it. They’re fighting back
Today 12:15pm
Scientists across multiple disciplines are sounding the alarm after the White House proposed taking greater control over how scientific research gets funded and allowing political appointees to decide whether to approve scientific grants.
China’s CO2 climbs 2% in early 2026 due to ‘wasted’ wind and solar
Fri 5 Jun 2026
The country used more coal and gas to generate electricity than in the same quarter a year earlier, despite a record amount of new wind and solar capacity being built.
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.
EU wants households to cut peak time energy use as demand from industry and AI soars
Fri 5 Jun 2026
A new law will aim to use artificial intelligence to boost efficient use of power as electricity demand threatens to overwhelm Europe’s grids.
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.
Energy, water use and pollution of AI and data centres rival most countries
Fri 5 Jun 2026
The environmental footprint of data centres already rivals some of the world’s largest countries, according to a United Nations University report, which also predicts their water and energy use and pollution will double in just four years as use of artificial intelligence grows.
Project linking food waste to cutting methane emissions gets underway
27 May 2026
Media release | Kai Commitment is leading a New Zealand-first project to help understand the connection between food waste and methane emissions and identify effective interventions.
Record-breaking heat and dry spring leave parts of England without water
Tue 2 Jun 2026
Thousands of households in southeast England were left without water or facing low pressure during a record-breaking heatwave this week, as high demand followed a dry spring to expose the failings in Britain's ageing infrastructure.
Why is Northern Ireland facing a growing threat from wildfires?
7 May 2026
Figures show that spring drought events are happening more often while there has been a sharp rise in "fire weather" - a mix of warmth, dryness, and wind that allows fires to ignite and spread rapidly. Experts warn this combination, along with climate change, is creating a longer and more volatile wildfire season.
Waves with world's first wind power undersea data center
Thu 4 Jun 2026
China has begun operations of the world's first undersea data center directly powered by offshore wind, as the country races to solve the soaring energy demands of artificial intelligence with greener and more efficient infrastructure.
