January 30, 2025

PRESS RELEASE: New Zealand announces “catastrophic” emissions target, a new low in backtracking of previous climate commitments

January 30, 2025: Today New Zealand released its updated Nationally Determined Contribution, or international emissions reductions targets, for 2031-2035. New Zealand’s new NDC falls far short of what is fair, equitable, or in line with limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees. 

The target aims to reduce emissions by between 51-55% net compared to 2005 gross levels by 2035, representing almost no improvement from the country’s previous 2030 target, which itself fell below an equitable share for New Zealand’s emissions reductions. 

Alva Feldmeier, 350.org Aotearoa Co-Director said:

“Instead of steering us away from the climate crisis, the New Zealand Government is drilling holes in our lifeboat. Their relentless dismantling of climate policies, expansion of fossil fuel extraction, and now this pathetic NDC signal a catastrophic future. New Zealand is turning its back on its responsibilities, its Pacific neighbours, and its own people. This is not leadership—it’s a disgrace.”

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to an increase of 1.5 degrees and obliges all countries to take concrete steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Countries must raise their reduction target every five years.

Breaching the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree warming limit carries catastrophic consequences for Pacific island nations, who are currently on the frontlines of a crisis they did not contribute to. 2024 was the hottest year on record, and the first calendar year that average global temperatures breached 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels. Amid this emergency, every fraction of a degree of warming that can be prevented counts.

Inagaro Vakaafi, Pacific Climate Warriors Council Elder said:

“This new target represents just how far the New Zealand government has fallen, both in climate action and in its commitment to the survival of the Pacific. The past year has seen the New Zealand government backtrack on climate commitments and enable new fossil fuel projects. This new target is essentially the New Zealand government giving themselves the permission to do nothing. How do we, as Pacific Islanders living in Aotearoa New Zealand, reconcile our government’s decisions with the survival of our island homes?” 

With the February 10th official UNFCCC deadline for updated NDC submissions looming, this week has seen a slew of updated climate targets, with Switzerland’s targets announced yesterday and the United Kingdom’s expected later today.

 

Media contact:

[email protected]

Pascale Hunt

[email protected]

+6281236661189

Kim Bryan 

[email protected]

+447770881503

Facebook