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New Zealand’s emissions reduction goals for 2030-2035 fall short of significant cuts

New Zealand’s Climate Plan Falls Short: Government Aims for Just 1% Additional Emission Cuts by 2035

The government of New Zealand has faced criticism after unveiling a new climate plan that falls short of ambitious emission reduction targets. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the government aims to reduce emissions by 51-55% between 2005 and 2035, a modest increase of just 1% from its previous 2030 goal.

The previous Labour government, led by Jacinda Ardern, had committed to cutting net emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, the new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) announced by Luxon’s administration has been met with disappointment from climate campaigners in the Pacific nation.

Alva Feldmeir, co-director of 350.org Aotearoa, criticized the government’s lack of ambition, calling it a “catastrophic future” for the country. Pacific Climate Warriors Council Elder Inagaro Vakaafi expressed concerns about the impact of the government’s decisions on Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand.

Rosemary Harris, a campaigner at Oil Change International, accused New Zealand of “retreating on ambition and shirking responsibility” by only increasing its emission reduction target by 1%. The government’s plan does not address the transition away from fossil fuels or the need to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector.

Despite the modest increase in emission reduction targets, New Zealand’s 51-55% goal still falls behind other countries like Canada, Brazil, and the United States. The government’s decision to reverse previous climate policies, including incentives for electric vehicles and emissions pricing for farming, has raised concerns about its commitment to tackling climate change.

As countries around the world prepare to submit their 2035 emission reduction targets to the UN, New Zealand is one of the first seven nations to have submitted its plan. The deadline for submissions is February 10, and most countries are expected to miss the deadline.

The government’s climate plan has sparked debate and criticism, with many calling for more ambitious targets and stronger action to address the climate crisis. The future of New Zealand’s climate policies remains uncertain as the country navigates its commitments to the Paris Agreement and global climate goals.

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