The NZ Government is looking to support tangible actions that will enable New Zealand to reach carbon net-zero by 2050.

The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 sets a framework for New Zealand’s transition to a low emissions and climate resilient economy. Key focus areas are de-carbonisation of the transport sector, coupled with more renewable electricity generation and increasing efficiency of industrial process heat (reducing the consumption of fossil fuels). In December 2020, New Zealand joined 32 other nations in formally acknowledging the global crisis.

To lead this change, the New Zealand Climate Change Commission (CCC) was established in 2019, with the goal of providing independent, evidence-based advice to government on climate issues.

The first CCC public consultation is open 1 February - 14 March 2021, and this package of advice is set to include:

• The proposed first three emissions budgets and guidance on the first emissions reduction plan, advising the Government on how the emissions budgets could be met
• Whether Aotearoa’s first Nationally Determined Contribution is compatible with contributing to the global efforts to limit warming above 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
• Advice on what potential reductions in biogenic methane might be needed in the future (this is not a review of current targets).

The GNG team will be diving into this information, and preparing a submission. We encourage others in the New Zealand geothermal community to do the same, as well as others in the renewable and energy sectors.

More information is available on the NZ Climate Change Commission website, or go straight to the draft advice and evidence.