NZ's New Targets to Manage Methane Emissions
The government has revised its 2050 methane emissions targets, reducing the range of reduction to 14-24% below 2017 levels, down from the previously legislated 24-47%.
The decision not to pursue a tax on agricultural methane emissions was also announced. According to the government, achieving the upper end of the current range (47%) was "unrealistic" and would create economic uncertainty, exacerbate land use change, and increase food production costs.
“New Zealand is unusual across developed countries in that around half of our greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture.”
- Current domestic target: 24-47% reduction in biogenic methane by 2050
- New target: 14-24% reduction in biogenic methane by 2050
- Targets for 2030 remain unchanged
Author's summary: NZ revises methane emissions targets to 14-24% reduction by 2050.