Greenhouse gas emissions stories
Two of the Government’s four ETS reform options would miss New Zealand’s climate goals, leaving businesses to face continued uncertainty.
The move could cut the climate impact of its 300 live projects, with one office tower already delivering a 5,000 ton emissions saving.
Critics say the reform could lift housing and infrastructure costs by stripping councils of planning powers and deepening court battles.
Climate scientists say Auckland’s floods were intensified by atmospheric rivers, while economists warn neglected infrastructure is leaving homes exposed.
A new loss-and-damage fund may help poorer countries cope with climate disasters, but critics say COP27 delivered little on emissions cuts.
Digital tools could deliver 42 per cent of New Zealand’s 2030 emissions cuts, yet they were omitted from the government plan.
A parliamentary report says spending over GBP £2 billion a year on the environment is poorly linked to outcomes and lacks transparency.
New rules are set to speed up consents and cut costs for infrastructure, as the Government scraps the 30-year-old Resource Management Act.
The tax break leaves motorists with little relief while costing New Zealand more than GBP £500 million and delaying cleaner transport investment.
Experts say the government’s adaptation plan may leave councils and vulnerable communities exposed to worsening floods, heat and sea-level rise.
A High Court ruling has deepened fears Auckland Council’s climate plan may be sidelined as transport decisions cut emissions far too slowly.
Wellington’s climate strategy has put it among 280 cities worldwide shortlisted by WWF, with results due later in July.
Businesses using landfill sites face higher disposal bills from 1 July as New Zealand widens its waste levy and reporting rules.
The new Auckland facility could cut New Zealand construction emissions by about 78,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, Holcim says.
Contaminated waste has long made the plastic hard to handle, but new chemical recycling plants are turning post-use polystyrene back into feedstock.
Redwood could help New Zealand meet its 2050 net-zero target by storing more carbon than radiata pine on suitable sites.
Recycling rates could rise as new sorting and shredding systems help construction waste avoid landfill and recover more valuable materials.
Construction waste is harder to recycle than most rubbish because asbestos and other pollutants must be stripped out first.
Housing and building rules need sharper targets and tougher enforcement if New Zealand is to cut emissions, experts say.
KiwiRail’s financial turnaround will now be led by a familiar hand as Peter Reidy returns after nearly four years at Fletcher Construction.
