Australia advances climate efforts while New Zealand stalls
NBC News reports that Australia is increasing its commitment to fighting climate change, while New Zealand is accused of retreating from climate goals. Canberra is introducing higher emission reduction targets and mechanisms to limit the emissions of major polluters.
Australia and New Zealand, two key countries in the Pacific region, are changing their approach to climate change. Australia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has adopted a more decisive stance in the fight against climate change. Meanwhile, New Zealand, under the leadership of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is criticised for retreating from ambitious climate goals, NBC News reports.
Australia, previously known as a "climate laggard," is now introducing higher emission reduction targets and mechanisms to limit the emissions of major polluters. However, critics argue that the government is not fulfilling its promises. Polly Hemming from the Australia Institute notes that changes in rhetoric do not translate into concrete actions.
New Zealand pulls the green brake
As noted by NBC News, New Zealand, despite having one of the highest per capita emission rates in the OECD, plans to increase the export of raw materials and delay the introduction of agricultural emission charges. Climate Minister Simon Watts emphasises that the government is focusing on technological solutions for agricultural emissions.
Critics point out that both countries are not meeting expectations ahead of the upcoming COP29 conference in Azerbaijan. Ralph Sims from Massey University in New Zealand emphasises that the country will have to buy emission credits to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Australia, as the third-largest exporter of fossil fuels, is criticised for its lack of support for renewable energy. In 2023, the government allocated £5.8 billion for subsidies to fossil fuel producers. Sarah Clement from the Australian National University believes that removing these subsidies could significantly support the development of renewable energy sources.
New Zealand, on the other hand, is changing its approach to climate policy, which may affect its international perception. Nathan Cooper from the University of Waikato notes that the country is focusing on adaptation instead of emission reduction, which could be risky. In Azerbaijan, a key topic will be the new financial goal for climate action post-2025, CNBC News summarises.
