Topics tagged with 'Transport'
Solid energy assessing coal-to-transport fuel scheme
20 Jun 2008
Solid Energy is in the assessment phase of a scheme to convert lignite into premium transport fuels.
Auckland can cope with increased public transport use
20 Jun 2008
Auckland’s transport network is ready for a big swing to public transport as fuel prices continue to soar to new heights, says the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA)’s communications manager, Sharon Hunter.
Major new climate change package adopted in Germany
20 Jun 2008
The German government has passed the second part of an ambitious package aiming at cutting the country's CO2 emissions by 40 per cent relative to 1990 levels by 2020.
EU on target, but long-term emissions hopes look doubtful
20 Jun 2008
The European Union is on track to hit its short- term target for reducing emissions of the gases which create global warming, officials in Brussels said yesterday.
Pike River coal manages emissions and looks forward to price increases
20 Jun 2008
Pike River Coal is poised to take advantage of demand from Japan that will double the price of coking coal in the next year alone, says McDouall Stuart which acted as lead manager for Pike River Coal’s 2007 IPO and 2008 rights issue.
Battery puzzler as plug-in hybrids join the car race
20 Jun 2008
The latest potential alternative to the traditional gasoline engine touted for the auto industry—plug-in hybrids and their lithium-ion batteries—may not change what most people drive anytime soon, says the Chicago Tribune.
Diesel power for Scenic
20 Jun 2008
Renault’s compact MPV (multi purpose vehicle), the Scenic, has been rationalised with the introduction of a 1.9 litre diesel variant with a four speed automatic transmission.
Call to Suspend Motorway Projects
20 Jun 2008
Should oil prices reach $US150 a barrel, the Auckland based transport lobby group is recommending that all uncommitted motorway projects be placed on hold, and funds diverted to increasing the capacity of transport modes that aren't reliant on cheap oil.
Ships' captains to get the order: Slow ahead and save emission
17 Jun 2008
The captains of ships plying the world’s sea lanes are about to be given the message – slow down and save greenhouse gas emissions.
National's full minitory report on ETS bill
16 Jun 2008
National has released its miniority report on the ETS bill.
ETS uncertainty deterring large InterCity investment
13 Jun 2008
InterCity is frustrated that New Zealand’s proposed emissions trading scheme (ETS) will act as a disincentive for it to reduce emissions and continue to operate a low emissions fleet.
Plea to lighten up on the car industry
13 Jun 2008
Cars are being unfairly picked on in the debate over greenhouse-gas emissions, says a leading player in the luxury car market.
"Outrage" at AWE burning 17 million cu ft of natural gas daily at Taranaki
13 Jun 2008
An Auckland Central canddiate says he is outraged that an Australian firm is burning off New Zealand's precious natural gas resources at a time of unprecedented petroleum costs and energy shortages
Heavy emitters' bull turned loose in Maori Party's china shop
12 Jun 2008
The heavy emitters' organisation yesterday launched a public attack on the Maori Party in a move which might indicate it has given up on getting the party's support to delay the ETS bill.
Vehicle valuer: Medium and large cars become an asset liability
11 Jun 2008
Having just experienced the greatest one day jump in world oil prices, there is more pressure than ever on asset values for medium and especially large cars when they are sold into the second hand vehicle market.
First personal carbon trading scheme launches
11 Jun 2008
The world's first real time personal carbin trading scheme has launched.
InterCity stalls its "carbon neutral" effort till after the election
10 Jun 2008
InterCity’s plan to be New Zealand’s first carbon neutral tourism and national transport company is on hold while it waits for the outcome of the election.
World's cheapest car ruled out of NZ market
10 Jun 2008
Tata Motors’ Nano car retailing at US$2500 (about NZ$5000) will not be safe enough to enter the New Zealand market, according to the Ministry of Transport.
IEA shows way to sustained economic growth based on clean energy
10 Jun 2008
Tokyo -The world faces the daunting combination of surging energy demand, rising greenhouse gas emissions and tightening resources.
'Green’ car choices moving fleet market, though some execs still want the V6
9 Jun 2008
The public sector is leading the way in a definite shift towards fleets with lower carbon emissions, says FleetSmart’s business development manager, Christopher Young.
Air NZ biofuel move will boost domestic demand, says BANZ
9 Jun 2008
The Bioenergy Association says Air New Zealand’s decision to test a biofuel for its planes will stimulate demand in New Zealand for biofuels in general - even if the national carrier is looking off-shore for its fuel.
Maker stands by Ecotube claims
9 Jun 2008
Ecotube-maker Bios Fuel says that the Consumers’ Institute didn’t test the exhaust-pipe device before panning it.
Ace Rentals trialing clean-fuel device already subject to ConsumerNZ doubts
6 Jun 2008
One of the country's car rental firms announced yesterday it is trialing a device which is says is new and cuts nitrous oxide and particulate exhaust emissions. However, it did not say the Consumers Institute has already tested it and “doesn’t buy the spin”.
Greens caution against being diverted by promise of electric vehicles
6 Jun 2008
Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons cautions against overlooking more immediate emission reduction solutions for New Zealand’s light vehicle fleet because of a general enthusiasm for electric vehicles.
EU Parliament looks at rules for carbon capture and storage
6 Jun 2008
BACKGROUNDER: The International Energy Agency predict a 70% increase in coal burning by 2030.
Business leaders: ETS fuels delay means incentives needed to buy electric and low-emision cars
6 Jun 2008
Business leaders yesterday welcomed a Carbon News report that Ministry of Transport officials are investigating options for incentives to encourage people to buy low-emission vehicles.
Funding talks underway to start New Zealand electric car industry
5 Jun 2008
EXCLUSIVE: New Zealand could soon be building its own electric cars.
Advisory group looking at incentives for electric vehicle buyers
5 Jun 2008
The Ministry of Transport’s Vehicle Energy and Renewables Group (VERG) is looking at ways of creating incentives for manufacturers to bring significant numbers of electric vehicles into New Zealand.
Progress on new climate change deal "extremely disconcerting" says UN leader
5 Jun 2008
The director of the UN’s Environment Programme describes current progress in negotiating a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Treaty as “extremely disconcerting”.
PM: Significant risks to export industries without ETS and sustainability
5 Jun 2008
Prime Minister Helen Clark says she sees climate change as one of the biggest environmental and political challenges of our time and singificant risks to export industries if the country doesn't act to become more sustainable.
Widely varying figures on new jobs created by renewables
5 Jun 2008
Research on the number of "green jobs" being created by renewables sector growth are varying widely.
Australian Minister talks on ETS and fuel prices
4 Jun 2008
Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, has talked with The Sunday agenda programme on fuel prices and the proposed emissions trading scheme.
ECCA figures on Kiwis and renewables
4 Jun 2008
75% of New Zealanders support marine energy as a future electricity generation option, according to research released by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Forum assures committee: parliamentary process is parliamentary process
3 Jun 2008
The Government-appointed multi-sector Leadership Forum on Climate Change is not working as an alternative to the select committee process – and has told the select committee considering the emissions trading scheme so.
Key reveals thoughts on "bastardised" ETS scheme to student blogger
3 Jun 2008
National leader John Key has referred to different credit phase out timelines for different sectors as “a bit of a bastardised way to develop an emissions trading scheme”.
Electric vehicles no panacea, says Meridian
3 Jun 2008
Meridian says its electric vehicle trial will give New Zealanders “a first and early glimpse of the technology,” but warns that it is a mistake to view electric vehicles as a solution to all our carbon emission woes.
Disesel price no impact on truck numbers
3 Jun 2008
Rising diesel prices will not affect the number of trucks on the road if customers can afford to cover the increase, says the Road Transport Forum.
Aussie truck drivers: include fuel in ETS
3 Jun 2008
Australian truck drivers back the inclusion of fuel in their Government's emissions trading scheme and consider cuts to the fuel excise to be bad policy.
When it comes to buying climate friendly vehicles 11% will part with the cash
3 Jun 2008
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Although many new-vehicle buyers may want to purchase an environmentally friendly vehicle, only 11 percent are “very willing” to pay more to do so.
US wineries go for 100% solar power, lightweight bottles
3 Jun 2008
Elbin Blatz, a winery in California’s Napa Valley region, has installed a first-of-its-kind solar power array and the latest example of how Northern California’s wine industry is using solar power.
Americans cut car use by equivalent of 11 billion miles a year
3 Jun 2008
Americans drove their cars 4.3% fewer miles in March 2008 than they did a year earlier, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
US drivers shudder at $4 per gallon
3 Jun 2008
It appears the specter of US$4/gallon (about $1 per litre NZ) keeps the key out of the ignition in the Unired States.
Transport sector advised to help shape next world emissions deal
3 Jun 2008
Leipzig.-Speaking at the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer called on key stakeholders in the transport sector to help shape the UN climate change deal that will be clinched in Copenhagen at the end of 2009.
FORUM: Dog and Lemon man says electric car owners exposed to power shortage issues
3 Jun 2008
Clive Matthew-Wilson, founder of the Dog and Lemon Guide, responds to a Carbon News story saying he is inventing a long term power shortage in order to justify an argument casting doubt on a future for electric vehicles..
Electric car sceptic invents long-term power shortage
30 May 2008
The Dog and Lemon Guide man says the viability of electric cars in New Zealand is doubtful because of electricity shortages.
New Zealand food imports still the greenest option for UK
30 May 2008
By Angela van de Weerdhof. - New Zealand food producers should fare well when the European Union rings in carbon labeling on all imports.
New petrol price impact research under way
29 May 2008
New Government research is under way on the impact of higher petrol prices on vehicle use
New climate change report: Worse-ever droughts main NZ worry
28 May 2008
Fighting possible extreme droughts will be the main obstacle for farmers as a result of climate change in New Zealand but overall production is predicted to go up.
EU Parliament committee votes overnight for tougher aviation ETS regime
28 May 2008
The European Parliament's Enevironment Committee early this morning (NZ time) voted for a tougher emissions regime for airlines.
Parker's full speech on climate change effects and impacts assessment
28 May 2008
Here is the full speech of CLimate Change Issues Minister David Parker at the launch of new reports into the impacts of climate change.
'Back-to-basics' approach for councils ignores climate risk
Today 10:45am
By Shannon Morris-Williams | While ACT is standing local government candidates to oppose councils' attempts to manage emissions and ministers are calling for local authorities to 'get back to basics' - or even suggesting scrapping regional councils altogether - one expert says this narrative is putting communities at risk in the face of climate change.
Extreme heatwaves may cause global decline in dairy production, scientists warn
Tue 8 Jul 2025
Israel-based study finds that by 2050 average daily milk production could be reduced by 4% as a result of worsening heat stress.
NZ Post drops science-based climate target
Tue 8 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | NZ Post has dropped its science-based emissions reduction target of 42% by 2030 with no plans to replace it.
Nations agree to tax premium flyers, private jets
2 Jul 2025
A group of countries, including France, Kenya, Spain and Barbados, pledged on June 30 to tax premium-class flying and private jets in a bid to raise funds for climate action and sustainable development.
Tipping points: Window to avoid irreversible climate impacts is ‘rapidly closing’
Today 10:45am
In the midst of a record-breaking heatwave in Europe, the UK city of Exeter recently played host to the second international conference on “tipping points”.
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.
Emissions Trading Scheme needs deep reform - commissioner
Today 10:45am
The government’s attempt to limit forestry conversions on rural land is unlikely to lead to meaningful change, according to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
How Mamdani connects climate policy to his affordability agenda as he runs for New York mayor
Today 10:45am
Many of the democratic socialist’s policies aim to slash carbon emissions and boost environmental justice.
Bearish sentiment lingers for carbon market
Today 10:45am
By Liz Kivi | The compliance carbon market could be set for a gradual upward trajectory, however unsold volume from the quarterly Emissions Trading Scheme auctions continues to act as ‘a price ceiling,’ according to an expert.
Climate backtracking could impact trade relationships: Labour
Wed 9 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | Labour Party Energy spokesperson Megan Woods says the government needs to be upfront about how its energy policies will impact trade relationships, following revelations New Zealand was warned by other governments that backtracking on climate policies jeopardised its membership of an international alliance.
A credible UN carbon market needs rules that count – we’ve just set them
11 Jun 2025
COMMENT: The broad standards for a more ambitious market are now in place. But without a steady flow of investment, this progress will remain largely on paper.
Common low-grade clay strengthens low-carbon concrete
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.
Carbon price grinds higher - where to from now?
30 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | The carbon price has continued to grind slowly higher since this month’s failed auction, with prices at their highest since March, although still languishing well below this year’s auction floor price.
UN Human Rights Council fails to call out fossil fuels after decision cuts mention
Today 10:45am
A proposal by the Marshall Islands and Colombia calling for a transition away from fossil fuels at the UN Human Rights Council failed to make it into the council’s declaration on climate change and human rights issued on Tuesday.
Key orange roughy population on verge of collapse, govt considers closure
Wed 9 Jul 2025
Media release - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition | New data reveals that New Zealand’s main orange roughy fishery, accounting for half of the country’s total catch, is on the brink of collapse, with one model showing it may have reached that point already, and the government’s considering closing it.
Urbanization is intensifying India’s summer heat and rain
Today 10:45am
When 28-year-old Sonelal Prasad left home on the morning of June 16 for his job at a construction site in Mumbai—the financial capital of India—he didn’t know he’d be digging his own grave.
Latest trawl bycatch numbers 'a grim wake-up call'
24 Jun 2025
Media release – Greenpeace | The latest fisheries bycatch data paints a grim picture, with trawlers hauling up thousands of kilograms of coral and killing hundreds of fur seals and seabirds over a 12 month period.
EU countries seek more cuts to deforestation rules
Wed 9 Jul 2025
From December, the world-first deforestation law will require operators placing goods including soy, beef and palm oil, onto the EU market to provide proof their products did not cause deforestation.
NZ quits Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance
25 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | The New Zealand government has quietly withdrawn from an ambitious coalition to phase out fossil fuels, with a $200 million publicly-funded subsidy for new gas fields the latest policy in conflict with that goal.
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.
Net-zero much cheaper than thought for UK – and unchecked global warming far more costly
Wed 9 Jul 2025
Reaching net-zero will be much cheaper for the UK government than previously expected – and the economic damages of unmitigated climate change far more severe.
The struggle for control of the Arctic is accelerating - and it's riskier than ever
Today 10:45am
As the battle for one of the world’s coldest places heats up, an increasingly fragile security balance may be breaking down, leading to an escalating arms race.
Can you trust climate information? How and why powerful players are misleading the public
Today 10:45am
The climate crisis is more urgent than ever, so why is there a disconnect between stated policies and actual practices?
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.
Electric firebricks: decarbonising high-temperature industrial heat
13 Jun 2025
By Ian Mason | A new technology could offer a more cost-effective solution than hydrogen to decarbonise one ‘hard-to-abate’ sector of New Zealand’s economy, as well as having ample potential for demand response as the electricity grid becomes more renewable.
‘Significant gaps’ in proposed approach to climate adaptation
Thu 10 Jul 2025
A new report into climate adaptation doesn’t suggest how development in high-risk areas should be avoided - an issue that needs urgent action with thousands of homes still being built in hazardous areas, according to the Environmental Defence Society.
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.
In Latin America, the energy transition stirs a rise in human rights lawsuits
Tue 8 Jul 2025
A new report shows that more than half of the 95 energy transition-related lawsuits recorded globally since 2009 took place in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Clear-sighted view to trade-offs crucial to reimagining our relationship with the land
Mon 7 Jul 2025
By Nick Swallow | COMMENT: New Zealand could see a 70% drop in the value of dairy land if we pursue our emissions targets for agriculture, according to a new report.
Unlocking economic growth on conservation land
Wed 9 Jul 2025
Media release - New Zealand Government | A targeted effort to reduce the backlog of applications for use of conservation land is accelerating economic growth without compromising conservation values, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
Carbon credits stockpile down: latest figures
Mon 7 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The number of NZUs held in private accounts, often called "the stockpile", dropped 11 million tonnes in the past year, according to the latest figures.
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.
Change in Southern Ocean structure could have climate implications
Mon 7 Jul 2025
Media release – Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM-CSIC) | Satellite data processing algorithms developed by ICM-CSIC have played a crucial role in detecting this significant shift in the Southern Hemisphere, which could accelerate the effects of climate change.
Nelson adopts ambitious target to slash emissions
Tue 8 Jul 2025
By Max Frethey, Local Democracy Reporter | After some of the most passionate debate seen in the chamber this triennium, Nelson City Council has adopted the more ambitious of two community greenhouse gas targets.
Markets aren't going to save us – Carr
Wed 9 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Consumerism is reaching its ecological and economic limits, and only systemic change - not market tweaks - can steer us away from climate catastrophe, according to former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr.
Microplastics found in sand on dozens of NZ beaches
4 Jun 2025
Scientists have extracted microplastics from the sand of 22 beaches from the Far North to Banks Peninsula.
North Canterbury locals get say over huge solar farm
Thu 10 Jul 2025
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter | North Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on a proposed 180 hectare solar farm on a property near their village.
UK: Thousands lobby MPs to demand climate action
Thu 10 Jul 2025
More than 5,000 people from across the UK arrived in Westminster on Wednesday to meet their MPs and demand urgent climate action to protect their communities.
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.
Clean energy's political test looms now that Trump bill is law
Thu 10 Jul 2025
The US 2026 midterms will test clean energy's uncertain political salience as advocates attempt to tether it to economic matters that voters prioritise.
MethaneSAT loss ‘a tragedy’
3 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The disappearance of a methane-tracking satellite, which was backed by $29 million of government funding, is a tragic loss according to one astrophysicist, who is calling for a review to understand how New Zealand blew past multiple red flags about its operation.
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".
Kiwi ‘smart panel’ startup aiming to reduce energy bills and emissions
4 Jul 2025
NZ start-up Basis this week launched an ‘intelligent’ panel to replace traditional electrical switchboards in homes, which it says can save the average home $1,200 NZD annually on bills and lead to lower emissions.
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.
Waste Levy risks becoming ‘slush fund’ under proposed changes – Commissioner
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.
NZ urgently needs to change approach to flood management - experts
2 Jul 2025
Experts say climate change is squarely to blame for flooding in Nelson - but isn’t getting the media attention it deserves - and the country urgently needs to change its approach to flood management in the face of climate change.
UN University report warns against carbon credits from REDD, tree planting, and improved forest management
13 Jun 2025
But the report stops short of recommending banning the trade in carbon temporarily stored in trees.
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.
