New Zealand sets 50 per cent emission target for 2030 ahead of COP26

NZ’s updated NDC announced on Sunday is expressed as a target to reduce net emissions by 50 per cent below gross 2005 levels by 2030.

This equates to a 41 per cent reduction on 2005 levels using what is known as an ’emissions budget’ approach.

“The improved NDC comes off the back of our increased investment in climate aid, especially in the Pacific, and represents a big step up in New Zealand’s role in tackling climate change,” Ms Adern said.

The announcement comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrives in Glasgow pledging a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, but refusing to lift its existing aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by just 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

The international community has about eight years to almost halve global greenhouse gas emissions to “stand a chance” of limiting global warming to 1.5C, New Zealand’s Minister of Climate Change James Shaw said.

“That’s eight years for countries to make the necessary plans, put in place policies, implement them, and ultimately deliver the cuts,” Mr Shaw said on Sunday.

“To meet our new NDC the first priority will be to reduce emissions at home – and to do so in a fair and equitable way. This will be driven by the Emissions Reduction Plan we will publish next year.”

SBS