News
NZ chipping in $10m to pay for climate losses suffered by poorer countries
It will help pay for losses suffered by poorer countries because of climate change.
COP29: Surprise at lack of reaction to US elections
The first week of the global COP29 climate summit was remarkable for the wrong reasons, but with the second week now underway, a veteran NZ diplomat says the event is making constructive progress.
What is 'blue carbon' and why does the government want it to count?
NZ First campaigned on trying to get New Zealand's enormous ocean "exclusive economic zone" recognised in the country's climate accounts. Audio
Is the West Antarctic ice sheet already doomed?
Or is there still time to stop burning fossil fuels to prevent 4-5 metres of sea level rise? A science team is on an urgent mission to find out.
Does NZ have the credibility to lead discussions at COP29?
Analysis: NZ's climate change minister will be co-leading talks on international carbon trading the global climate summit in Baku next week, even though the government has been unable to commit to…
Trump's victory could throw wrench in climate talks
NZ will argue at COP29 for oil-rich companies to join a climate finance fund - but any future US contribution could be in question. Audio
NZ has strong climate laws, but lacks clarity on farming and energy emissions - audit
A global effort to audit countries' responses to climate change found New Zealand has strong laws but could do better.
Mike King charity accused of greenwashing over booklet
The pamphlet, handed out to schoolchildren, presents a trucking firm and a coal-burning electricity company as climate heroes. Audio
Government shuts 'talk-fest' fossil fuel jobs unit
The government says it closed a unit aimed at helping fossil fuel workers into new jobs, because the programme did not align with its priorities.
Mahi tokens launched in project to regrow native habitats
An East Coast beef station has become a test case for a habitat regeneration project offering Mahi Tokens to fund the environmental work.
Climate impact of peat soil pushed above BP's fuel sales by huge 2022 blazes
Two fires that tore through sensitive peat wetlands in 2022 released more than half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide, pushing emissions from New Zealand's peat soils as a whole to a level comparable…
Air NZ says by 'nearly every overseas port' will require sustainable fuel - but not NZ
The government not joining the international trend to require airlines to replace some fossil fuel with sustainable fuel contributed to the carrier ditching its 2030 climate target, Air NZ says.
Electric car lobby takes Simeon Brown to court
Companies want the transport minister's new regulations on tailpipe emissions to be overturned.
No way to meet NZ's climate target without overseas help - report
NZ needs to "get off the sidelines" and start making deals with other countries or it will fail to meet its 2030 international climate target, thinktank says.
Why even weather forecasters are horrified by Hurricane Milton
A respected hurricane forecaster went viral this week for choking up while warning Americans about the approaching Hurricane Milton.
Air slowly getting cleaner, but health impacts of breathing pollution worse than previously thought
The health impacts of traffic pollution are worse than previously reported.
ACC levies part of 'spectacularly hard' time for electric cars
Hikes to ACC levies will see owners of electric cars paying up to $40 more than owners of hybrids or small petrol cars, says an electric vehicle lobby group.
NZ First won't say if it backs crucial action to meet Paris Target
The climate change minister has admitted there's no way to meet NZ's commitments under the Paris Agreement without buying help.
Why more under-5s are ending up in hospital on hot days
Caregivers are being warned to be aware of the lifelong health risks that hot days can pose to children under five.
Flood victims who were warned may struggle for compensation
A cross-party committee of MPs says flood victims who have fair warning of the risk may have less case for government compensation. Audio
Is Shane Jones right about Indonesian coal?
Analysis - Resources Minister Shane Jones loves talking about Indonesian coal, but do his claims stack up?
No new gas likely before 2035
It will make climate impacts smaller, but also any expected impact on the energy market.
Public given just four days to submit on gas and oil bill
The time for MPs to consider the bill has also been shortened because the government wants the change passed by the end of the year.
Gas industry boasts about killing proposed ban with lobbying
Gas NZ went to an international fossil fuel forum and claimed responsibility for killing off a proposed government ban on new gas connections. Audio
Carbon neutral PR company put on 'F list' for promoting fossil fuels
A certified carbon neutral PR company has been put on global "F List" for its work promoting fossil fuels through clients at Z Energy and Toyota.