The New Zealand government consulted during June and July 2018 on its proposal for a Zero Carbon Bill. This would:
- set a new and more ambitious 2050 greenhouse gas emission reduction target
- establish interim five-year “emissions budgets” consistent with meeting those targets
- require the government to issue plans for achieving its emissions budgets
- require preparation of a national climate change risk assessment and national adaptation plan
- set up a new independent Climate Change Commission to advise the government and monitor its progress.
The submission highlights five key opportunities to improve the government’s proposal:
- Considering a fourth 2050 target option providing for net zero emissions of long-lived gases and significantly reduced emissions of short-lived greenhouse gases
- Implementing a dual-target structure encompassing New Zealand’s mitigation effort at home and overseas
- Looking beyond 2050 when setting targets and plans through 2050
- Requesting advice from the Climate Change Commission on emission price pathways
- Enabling the Climate Change Commission to undertake independent work supported by long-term funding