New Zealand has unveiled its second international climate target under the Paris Agreement, aiming for an ambitious 51 to 55 percent reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
The announcement, made on Thursday by Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, builds upon the nation’s initial goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2030. This new target reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“This target is both ambitious and achievable,” Watts stated. “Meeting this target will mean we are doing our fair share towards reducing the impact of climate change, while enabling New Zealand to be stronger and thrive in the face of a changing climate.”
The minister highlighted that the new target aligns the country’s international and domestic climate change commitments, allowing New Zealand to focus on actions that will have the most significant impact on reaching the net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
New Zealand’s climate strategy emphasizes strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme, supporting innovative technologies to reduce agricultural emissions, and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, electrified economy. Watts noted that achieving these climate targets alongside economic growth requires greater innovation in advancing low-emission technologies and industries powered by abundant and affordable clean energy.
“We are committed to achieving our first and second Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce the impact of climate change,” Watts affirmed.
(Cover image: The snow-capped mountains of Glenorchy, New Zealand, April 26, 2024. /VCG)
