September 19th, 2024
The New Zealand Climate Commission has released a draft report outlining its recommendations for the government's second emissions reduction plan. The report is based on the Commission's role as an independent, evidence-based advisor to successive governments on actions needed to achieve the country's climate change objectives.
What's in the report?
The draft report is divided into three parts: Fundamentals for Success, Creating Low Emission Options, and Enabling System Transformation. Each part contains chapters focused on specific areas of action required, including accelerating the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, scaling up efforts to move industry away from fossil fuels, and preparing for the rapid rollout of low-emissions technologies on farms. The report emphasises the need to build on the momentum from the first emissions reduction plan and to broaden, strengthen, and accelerate efforts to achieve the country's climate change objectives.
Why are urgent recommendations needed?
The report notes that while positive signs of progress have been observed, urgent and critical actions are required to achieve the second emissions budget and ensure New Zealand is on track to achieve the third budget (2031-2035) and beyond. The Commission's proposed recommendations reflect the highest priority, most urgent actions required to achieve the country's emissions reduction goals.
What's next?
The draft report is open for public consultation and seeks input from a broad range of stakeholders. The Commission is committed to meaningful consultation on this draft advice and encourages New Zealanders to share their views. The final advice from the Commission, which will reflect the feedback received through the engagement process, will be delivered to the government at the end of this year.
Government welcomes draft recommendations
Meanwhile New Zealand's Climate Change Minister, James Shaw, has welcomed the draft recommendations from the Climate Change Commission, which highlight the policy direction the government should take to achieve the country's emissions reduction goals. The recommendations come as part of the government's second emissions reduction plan, which covers the 2026-2030 emissions budget.
Many hurdles
Shaw notes that while there are still many hurdles to jump, the recommendations show considerable alignment with much of the work already underway. The government's Emissions Reduction Plan has laid the foundations for transformative change, but true progress can't be just about setting targets; urgent action is needed to achieve a net-zero future.
Shaw emphasises that multiple wins are needed to achieve a net-zero future, and the government cannot rely too heavily on carbon removals from forests to do all the heavy lifting. Existing work in decarbonising the state sector and industrial processes can make a significant difference, and delays in policy implementation could significantly impact the country's ability to meet its emissions budgets.