New report shows National going backwards on climate change

A new report released overnight by Germanwatch and Climate Action Network Europe shows the National Government is going backwards on climate change, the Green Party said today.

The report assessed 58 countries on their emissions and efforts to cut climate pollution. New Zealand slipped seven places overall from 35th last year to 42nd, and received an overall mark of ‘poor’, with the effectiveness of the Government’s policies to tackle climate change given the worst possible ranking of ‘very low’.

“It is embarrassing to watch our Prime Minister stand on the world stage and claim that New Zealand is ‘determined to play its part and make a real difference’ on climate change, when he is actually part of the problem,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

“It’s frustrating enough that we’ve dropped seven places in a highly regarded report; what’s worse is New Zealand is now ranked in the bottom five countries globally for overall climate policy. The National Government has chosen to not take climate change seriously and refuses to seize the opportunities we could all gain by doing something about it.

“New Zealand has three days left to step up in Paris and properly fight for the ambitious climate deal the world needs. So far our Government’s doing more to stymie a good agreement than achieve one.”

“This is the second major assessment of countries’ efforts to tackle climate change in which New Zealand has fallen to the bottom of the pack. Earlier this year climate experts from Climate Action Tracker described the National Government’s target to cut climate pollution as ‘inadequate’.  

Latest Environment Announcements

Story

Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects

The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Tra...
Read More

Story

Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope

The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today.
Read More

Story

Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation

The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. 
Read More

Story

Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill

Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequenc...
Read More

Story

Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation

The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf.
Read More

Story

Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment

The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. 
Read More

Latest Climate Change Announcements

Story

Where’s the “culture of yes” on climate ambition?

The Green Party is calling on the Government to strengthen its just-announced 2030-2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Ag...
Read More

Story

Aotearoa must step up as Trump plays with climate fire

The Green Party is calling on the Government to stand firm and work with allies to progress climate action as Donald Trump signals his intent to pu...
Read More

Story

Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction

New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, fa...
Read More

Story

He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan

Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. 
Read More

Story

Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition

Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released.
Read More

Story

You can’t bank on pine trees in a climate crisis

Today’s Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping p...
Read More