Jacinda Ardern unveils zero carbon plan for New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern declares war on global warming, tying NZ to an ambitious emissions target.

New Zealand’s plan to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 has become law, after it cleared its final hurdle in parliament.

The bill, spearheaded by her centre-left Labour-led coalition government, was passed with cross-party support from the main opposition National Party, despite changes promised by the National Party if it wins 2020 general election.

It mandates that, in net terms, the country should produce no greenhouse gases — except methane — by the middle of the century, as part of New Zealand’s bid to meet its Paris climate accord commitments.

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Methane — a by-product of the key agricultural sector — will be cut by 24 to 47 per cent over the same time frame.

The bill establishes an independent Climate Change Commission to advise the government on how to achieve its targets and to produce “carbon budgets” every five years saying how many emissions will be allowed in that period.

“Undeniably, our sea levels are rising,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

“Undeniably, we are experiencing extreme weather events. Undeniably, the science tells us the impact on flora and fauna — yes, also the spread of diseases in areas where we previously haven’t seen them,” she said.

“We know as well that some island nations will have their clean water sources impacted by a rising sea level and salt water entering into them. On a daily basis they are already seeing those impacts.

“Our world is warming, and so therefore the question for all of us is what side of history will we choose to sit on?

“Today we have made a choice that will leave a legacy … I hope future generations will see that we, in New Zealand, were on the right side of history.”

New Zealand has an estimated combined population of 38 million sheep and cattle. Picture: AFP

This is what it looks like to trust science.

This is what it looks like to embrace your moral obligation to humanity while understanding the risks & opportunities of global decarbonisation for your economy & your citizens.

This is what real policy looks like.

👏🏻 @jacindaardern https://t.co/SJ97IMNILB

— Mike Cannon-Brookes 👨🏼‍💻🧢 (@mcannonbrookes) November 7, 2019

New Zealand is one of 65 countries that have pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but not all have enshrined the target in law.

The country of just under five million people has also committed to 100 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035.

New Zealand ‘leading the world’

Climate Change Minister James Shaw said the new law would help ensure a safer planet for everybody’s children and grandchildren.

“We’ve led the world before in nuclear disarmament and in votes for women, now we are leading again,” he said.

Agriculture is key to the economy of New Zealand, which is home to just under five million people but more than 10 million cows and some 28 million sheep.