Environmental Sustainability
#23Key Findings
In the category of environmental sustainability, New Zealand performs relatively poorly in international comparison (rank 23).
The Zero Carbon Act aims for climate neutrality by 2050, setting targets for reducing long-lived greenhouse gases and biogenic methane. Governments must set emissions budgets every five years, aiming for targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
These measures have been criticized for not being legally enforceable, and for setting separate targets for agriculture, which contributes 48% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Observes say policies are not consistent with hitting the 1.5 degree target.
Air pollution, drinking water quality and agricultural runoff remain occasional concerns. A strong set of biodiversity strategies aims at conserving native species, habitats and ecosystems. The country advocates internationally for the environmental and climate concerns faced by small island states.
The Zero Carbon Act aims for climate neutrality by 2050, setting targets for reducing long-lived greenhouse gases and biogenic methane. Governments must set emissions budgets every five years, aiming for targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
These measures have been criticized for not being legally enforceable, and for setting separate targets for agriculture, which contributes 48% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Observes say policies are not consistent with hitting the 1.5 degree target.
Air pollution, drinking water quality and agricultural runoff remain occasional concerns. A strong set of biodiversity strategies aims at conserving native species, habitats and ecosystems. The country advocates internationally for the environmental and climate concerns faced by small island states.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
New Zealand aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and has set targets and strategies to work toward this goal. The key framework guiding this ambition is the Zero Carbon Act, which became law in November 2019.
The Zero Carbon Act establishes a framework for long-term emissions reduction, aiming for net zero emissions of long-lived greenhouse gases by 2050. It sets separate targets for biogenic methane emissions from agriculture and all other greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the act requires successive governments to set emissions budgets every five years and aim for greenhouse gas reduction targets that are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The independent Climate Change Commission was established following the enactment of the Zero Carbon Act in 2019. The Commission monitors and reports on New Zealand’s progress toward meeting climate targets, assessing the effectiveness of policies and actions taken to reduce emissions. Based on its monitoring and assessments, the Commission makes recommendations to the government, Parliament and relevant sectors on strategies and policies to achieve emissions reduction goals.
However, several policies and measures may undermine climate action efforts.
To begin with, the Zero Carbon Act itself has been criticized for not being legally enforceable and for setting separate targets for agriculture, which contributes 48% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions (McLachlan 2019). Moreover, the newly elected National government has announced that it will revisit the legislated emission targets in 2024 and possibly set even lower targets for the farming sector (Wannan 2023).
Other policy proposals made by the National-led coalition that may conflict with climate action goals include reversing the ban on at-sea oil and gas exploration, scrapping the Clean Car Discount, and promoting road infrastructure over alternative modes of transport. This underscores the lack of political consensus on the need for drastic, collective action and the lack of institutional capacity to ensure initiatives are legally binding beyond the political cycle.
Overall, New Zealand’s strategies to mitigate climate change have received rather negative reviews from experts. The Climate Change Performance Index, for example, ranks New Zealand 34th out of 67 countries (Climate Change Performance Index 2023). Similarly, the Climate Action Tracker rates New Zealand’s policies and actions as “highly insufficient,” noting they are “not at all consistent” with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (Climate Action Tracker 2023).
Citations:
Climate Action Tracker. 2023. “New Zealand.” https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/new-zealand/
Climate Change Performance Index. 2023. “New Zealand.” https://ccpi.org/country/nzl/
McLachlan, R. 2019. “NZ introduces groundbreaking zero carbon bill, including targets for agricultural methane.” The Conversation, 9 May. https://theconversation.com/nz-introduces-groundbreaking-zero-carbon-bill-including-targets-for-agricultural-methane-116724
Wannan, O. 2023. “The Unexpected Climate Plans of the New Government.” Stuff, November 28. https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/133356580/the-unexpected-climate-plans-of-the-new-government
The Zero Carbon Act establishes a framework for long-term emissions reduction, aiming for net zero emissions of long-lived greenhouse gases by 2050. It sets separate targets for biogenic methane emissions from agriculture and all other greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the act requires successive governments to set emissions budgets every five years and aim for greenhouse gas reduction targets that are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The independent Climate Change Commission was established following the enactment of the Zero Carbon Act in 2019. The Commission monitors and reports on New Zealand’s progress toward meeting climate targets, assessing the effectiveness of policies and actions taken to reduce emissions. Based on its monitoring and assessments, the Commission makes recommendations to the government, Parliament and relevant sectors on strategies and policies to achieve emissions reduction goals.
However, several policies and measures may undermine climate action efforts.
To begin with, the Zero Carbon Act itself has been criticized for not being legally enforceable and for setting separate targets for agriculture, which contributes 48% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions (McLachlan 2019). Moreover, the newly elected National government has announced that it will revisit the legislated emission targets in 2024 and possibly set even lower targets for the farming sector (Wannan 2023).
Other policy proposals made by the National-led coalition that may conflict with climate action goals include reversing the ban on at-sea oil and gas exploration, scrapping the Clean Car Discount, and promoting road infrastructure over alternative modes of transport. This underscores the lack of political consensus on the need for drastic, collective action and the lack of institutional capacity to ensure initiatives are legally binding beyond the political cycle.
Overall, New Zealand’s strategies to mitigate climate change have received rather negative reviews from experts. The Climate Change Performance Index, for example, ranks New Zealand 34th out of 67 countries (Climate Change Performance Index 2023). Similarly, the Climate Action Tracker rates New Zealand’s policies and actions as “highly insufficient,” noting they are “not at all consistent” with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (Climate Action Tracker 2023).
Citations:
Climate Action Tracker. 2023. “New Zealand.” https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/new-zealand/
Climate Change Performance Index. 2023. “New Zealand.” https://ccpi.org/country/nzl/
McLachlan, R. 2019. “NZ introduces groundbreaking zero carbon bill, including targets for agricultural methane.” The Conversation, 9 May. https://theconversation.com/nz-introduces-groundbreaking-zero-carbon-bill-including-targets-for-agricultural-methane-116724
Wannan, O. 2023. “The Unexpected Climate Plans of the New Government.” Stuff, November 28. https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/133356580/the-unexpected-climate-plans-of-the-new-government
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
The commitment of the New Zealand government to protecting the public from environmental health risks is reflected in various policies and regulations – for example, the Resource Management Act, the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality, and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. Government agencies such as the Ministry for the Environment and the Environmental Protection Authority enforce compliance with these environmental laws and regulations.
Existing policies can both support and potentially undermine efforts to protect environmental health. Notable examples of supportive policies include environmental protection laws such as the Resource Management Act and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, as well as clean air and water policies. At the same time, certain policies – particularly resource extraction and land use policies – may undermine environmental health protection efforts.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist – in particular, in relation to air pollution (e.g., Morton 2023), drinking water quality (e.g., RNZ 2023a), toxic landfill gases and leachate (e.g., RNZ 2023b), and the management of contaminated land (e.g., McMahon 2023). Moreover, there has been a lack of investment over time in sustainable infrastructure, as well as limited political will to support the management of environmental risks, including in the areas of water quality and land management.
Citations:
McMahon. 2023. “DOC Managing over 300 Contaminated Sites on West Coast.” RNZ, June 17. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/492164/doc-managing-over-300-contaminated-sites-on-west-coast
Morton, J. 2023. “Air quality: Many NZ towns exceed WHO guideline for key pollutant.” New Zealand Herald, 21 June. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/air-quality-many-nz-towns-exceed-who-guideline-for-key-pollutant/JKYJG65L6FHH5MK5OE7ICNXIVM
RNZ. 2023. “Several councils could face huge bills to get drinking water up to scratch.” 3 October. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018909543/several-councils-could-face-huge-bills-to-get-drinking-water-up-to-scratch
RNZ. 2023. “Residents ‘Worried about Breathing Toxic Gases’ Want Reassurance from Councils about Landfill.” 8 August. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/495380/residents-worried-about-breathing-toxic-gases-want-reassurance-from-councils-about-landfill
Existing policies can both support and potentially undermine efforts to protect environmental health. Notable examples of supportive policies include environmental protection laws such as the Resource Management Act and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, as well as clean air and water policies. At the same time, certain policies – particularly resource extraction and land use policies – may undermine environmental health protection efforts.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist – in particular, in relation to air pollution (e.g., Morton 2023), drinking water quality (e.g., RNZ 2023a), toxic landfill gases and leachate (e.g., RNZ 2023b), and the management of contaminated land (e.g., McMahon 2023). Moreover, there has been a lack of investment over time in sustainable infrastructure, as well as limited political will to support the management of environmental risks, including in the areas of water quality and land management.
Citations:
McMahon. 2023. “DOC Managing over 300 Contaminated Sites on West Coast.” RNZ, June 17. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/492164/doc-managing-over-300-contaminated-sites-on-west-coast
Morton, J. 2023. “Air quality: Many NZ towns exceed WHO guideline for key pollutant.” New Zealand Herald, 21 June. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/air-quality-many-nz-towns-exceed-who-guideline-for-key-pollutant/JKYJG65L6FHH5MK5OE7ICNXIVM
RNZ. 2023. “Several councils could face huge bills to get drinking water up to scratch.” 3 October. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018909543/several-councils-could-face-huge-bills-to-get-drinking-water-up-to-scratch
RNZ. 2023. “Residents ‘Worried about Breathing Toxic Gases’ Want Reassurance from Councils about Landfill.” 8 August. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/495380/residents-worried-about-breathing-toxic-gases-want-reassurance-from-councils-about-landfill
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How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
New Zealand’s government demonstrates a commitment to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity through various policies, initiatives and conservation efforts. The government has biodiversity strategies, such as the Biodiversity Action Plan, aimed at conserving native species, habitats and ecosystems. Laws and regulations – such as the Wildlife Act, the Conservation Act and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management – provide legal frameworks for protecting biodiversity, managing natural resources and preventing the spread of invasive species. Various government agencies – including the Department of Conservation, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment – are tasked with implementing these strategies and frameworks, as well as monitoring and reporting progress.
The government’s efforts extend to various aspects of ecosystem and biodiversity protection, including reforestation (e.g., the One Billion Trees program), marine and coastal ecosystems (e.g., marine protected areas), sustainable fisheries management practices, and the restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. Considerable work has also been undertaken toward eradicating Mycoplasma bovis (MPI 2023).
Despite these efforts, challenges continue to threaten ecosystems and biodiversity. One particularly troublesome issue is the contamination of rivers and lakes with agricultural runoff. For example, a 2023 study by the Ministry for the Environment declared 45% of New Zealand’s entire river length to be “unswimmable” due to the risk of bacterial infection (Neilson 2023). Additionally, extensive floods throughout 2023 revealed the dangers associated with pine forest plantation slash being washed into rivers and seas, posing threats to animal and human health.
Although often considered a global leader in pest eradication (Corlett 2022), New Zealand struggles with invasive animal and plant species, many of which reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native species for resources (Macinnis-Ng and McIntosh 2021). Another challenge is how to incorporate Māori ecological knowledge – rooted in a distinct understanding of human-nature relationships – into resource management and conservation efforts (McAllister et al. 2023).
Citations:
Corlett, E. 2022. “New Zealand leads world in island pest eradication, study finds.” The Guardian, August 17. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/17/new-zealand-leads-world-in-island-pest-eradication-study-finds
McAllister, T. et al. 2023. “Indigenous knowledge offers solutions, but its use must be based on meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities.” The Conversation, March 31. https://theconversation.com/indigenous-knowledge-offers-solutions-but-its-use-must-be-based-on-meaningful-collaboration-with-indigenous-communities-201670
Macinnis-Ng, C. and McIntosh, A. 2021. “Many New Zealand species are already at risk because of predators and habitat loss. Climate change makes things worse.” The Conversation, March 23. https://theconversation.com/many-new-zealand-species-are-already-at-risk-because-of-predators-and-habitat-loss-climate-change-makes-things-worse-156650
MPI. 2023. “Ministry of Primary Industry.” https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/mycoplasma-bovis/mycoplasma-bovis-in-new-zealand/m-bovis-eradication-phases/
Neilson, M. 2023. “NZ’s lakes and rivers in ‘appalling’ state, new Govt report paints bleak picture as scientist accuses Labour of broken promises.” New Zealand Herald, April 12. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nzs-lakes-and-rivers-in-appalling-state-new-govt-report-paints-bleak-picture-as-scientist-accuses-labour-of-broken-promises/44QARUJS45DLPNAXAKN4HPPKAY/
The government’s efforts extend to various aspects of ecosystem and biodiversity protection, including reforestation (e.g., the One Billion Trees program), marine and coastal ecosystems (e.g., marine protected areas), sustainable fisheries management practices, and the restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. Considerable work has also been undertaken toward eradicating Mycoplasma bovis (MPI 2023).
Despite these efforts, challenges continue to threaten ecosystems and biodiversity. One particularly troublesome issue is the contamination of rivers and lakes with agricultural runoff. For example, a 2023 study by the Ministry for the Environment declared 45% of New Zealand’s entire river length to be “unswimmable” due to the risk of bacterial infection (Neilson 2023). Additionally, extensive floods throughout 2023 revealed the dangers associated with pine forest plantation slash being washed into rivers and seas, posing threats to animal and human health.
Although often considered a global leader in pest eradication (Corlett 2022), New Zealand struggles with invasive animal and plant species, many of which reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native species for resources (Macinnis-Ng and McIntosh 2021). Another challenge is how to incorporate Māori ecological knowledge – rooted in a distinct understanding of human-nature relationships – into resource management and conservation efforts (McAllister et al. 2023).
Citations:
Corlett, E. 2022. “New Zealand leads world in island pest eradication, study finds.” The Guardian, August 17. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/17/new-zealand-leads-world-in-island-pest-eradication-study-finds
McAllister, T. et al. 2023. “Indigenous knowledge offers solutions, but its use must be based on meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities.” The Conversation, March 31. https://theconversation.com/indigenous-knowledge-offers-solutions-but-its-use-must-be-based-on-meaningful-collaboration-with-indigenous-communities-201670
Macinnis-Ng, C. and McIntosh, A. 2021. “Many New Zealand species are already at risk because of predators and habitat loss. Climate change makes things worse.” The Conversation, March 23. https://theconversation.com/many-new-zealand-species-are-already-at-risk-because-of-predators-and-habitat-loss-climate-change-makes-things-worse-156650
MPI. 2023. “Ministry of Primary Industry.” https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/mycoplasma-bovis/mycoplasma-bovis-in-new-zealand/m-bovis-eradication-phases/
Neilson, M. 2023. “NZ’s lakes and rivers in ‘appalling’ state, new Govt report paints bleak picture as scientist accuses Labour of broken promises.” New Zealand Herald, April 12. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nzs-lakes-and-rivers-in-appalling-state-new-govt-report-paints-bleak-picture-as-scientist-accuses-labour-of-broken-promises/44QARUJS45DLPNAXAKN4HPPKAY/
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To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
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9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
New Zealand has demonstrated its commitment to global environmental protection through various actions and policies. Notably, the country is a signatory to several international agreements aimed at environmental protection, including the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and agreements in other areas such as toxic chemicals (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants), hazardous waste (Basel Convention) and natural resources (Noumea Convention).
As a Pacific nation, New Zealand has also advocated for the concerns of small island states in international forums, particularly regarding issues like climate change impacts and ocean conservation (e.g., Cardwell 2021). In addition, the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2023 and expected to come into force midway through 2024, is the first agreement to fully integrate the EU’s new approach to trade and sustainable development. It includes a dedicated sustainable food systems chapter, a provision on trade and fossil fuel subsidies reform, and liberalizes green goods and services at entry (Council of EU 2023).
New Zealand’s domestic and foreign policies often do not align with its international environmental commitments. Most notably, domestic policies are deemed “highly insufficient” for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as required under the Paris Agreement (Climate Action Tracker 2023). New Zealand is also regularly criticized by its Pacific neighbors for failing to follow up on climate change commitments – most recently in relation to the National government’s decision to lift the ban on oil and gas exploration (Waatea News 2023). Additionally, New Zealand pledged only $15 million to the second replenishment of the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund in 2023, which is significantly less than other countries with similar population sizes, such as Denmark ($232 million) or Ireland ($43 million) (Thwaites 2023).
Citations:
Cardwell, H. 2021. “COP26: The Main Issues and What Role New Zealand Plays.” RNZ, November 1. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/454634/cop26-the-main-issues-and-what-role-new-zealand-plays
Council of the EU. 2023. “Press Release.” 27 November. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/11/27/eu-new-zealand-council-gives-final-green-light-to-free-trade-agreement/
Thwaites, J. 2023. “Green Climate Fund Pledge Tracker.” NRDC Expert Blog, 8 December. https://www.nrdc.org/bio/joe-thwaites/green-climate-fund-pledge-tracker
Waatea News. 2023. “Pacific Nations Reject Drill Plans.” 8 December. https://waateanews.com/2023/12/08/pacific-nations-reject-drill-plans/
As a Pacific nation, New Zealand has also advocated for the concerns of small island states in international forums, particularly regarding issues like climate change impacts and ocean conservation (e.g., Cardwell 2021). In addition, the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2023 and expected to come into force midway through 2024, is the first agreement to fully integrate the EU’s new approach to trade and sustainable development. It includes a dedicated sustainable food systems chapter, a provision on trade and fossil fuel subsidies reform, and liberalizes green goods and services at entry (Council of EU 2023).
New Zealand’s domestic and foreign policies often do not align with its international environmental commitments. Most notably, domestic policies are deemed “highly insufficient” for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as required under the Paris Agreement (Climate Action Tracker 2023). New Zealand is also regularly criticized by its Pacific neighbors for failing to follow up on climate change commitments – most recently in relation to the National government’s decision to lift the ban on oil and gas exploration (Waatea News 2023). Additionally, New Zealand pledged only $15 million to the second replenishment of the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund in 2023, which is significantly less than other countries with similar population sizes, such as Denmark ($232 million) or Ireland ($43 million) (Thwaites 2023).
Citations:
Cardwell, H. 2021. “COP26: The Main Issues and What Role New Zealand Plays.” RNZ, November 1. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/454634/cop26-the-main-issues-and-what-role-new-zealand-plays
Council of the EU. 2023. “Press Release.” 27 November. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/11/27/eu-new-zealand-council-gives-final-green-light-to-free-trade-agreement/
Thwaites, J. 2023. “Green Climate Fund Pledge Tracker.” NRDC Expert Blog, 8 December. https://www.nrdc.org/bio/joe-thwaites/green-climate-fund-pledge-tracker
Waatea News. 2023. “Pacific Nations Reject Drill Plans.” 8 December. https://waateanews.com/2023/12/08/pacific-nations-reject-drill-plans/