Wellington, Oct 23 (NationPress) - Reports indicate that greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand decreased by 1.5 per cent, equivalent to 287 kilotonnes, during the June 2025 quarter.

This reduction was primarily attributed to a 3.2 per cent decline in manufacturing emissions, significantly influenced by the petroleum, chemical, polymer, and rubber product sectors, which saw a drastic drop of 41.2 per cent due to natural gas shortages, according to Tehseen Islam, a spokesperson for Stats NZ.

Excluding households, industry emissions fell by 1.5 per cent (or 258 kilotonnes), while household emissions saw a minor decrease of 0.6 per cent (or 12 kilotonnes). This trend coincided with a 0.9 per cent drop in the country's gross domestic product during the same timeframe, as noted by the statistics department.

Manufacturing emissions have reached their lowest level since records began in 2010, down 41.4 per cent from the peak in December 2014. Islam mentioned that reductions in non-metallic mineral and metallic product manufacturing also played a role in this decline.

For the year ending June 2025, the total greenhouse gas emissions from both industry and households fell by 2.9 per cent to 76,902 kilotonnes, marking the lowest annual total since 2010. Significant contributing sectors included manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

In the electricity, gas, water, and waste services sector, emissions decreased by 3.5 per cent (or 246 kilotonnes) over the year ending June 2025, largely due to increased electricity production from renewable sources such as geothermal, solar, wind, and biogas.

On October 16, New Zealand announced its inaugural National Adaptation Framework aimed at addressing the escalating risks associated with climate change, including floods and storms.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts stated, "New Zealand is facing increasing threats from floods, storms, and other natural hazards. It's essential that our nation and economy are resilient and well-prepared."

The framework focuses on enhancing resilience, supporting economic growth, and minimizing societal costs in the face of rising natural hazards, as per a government statement.

Structured around four key pillars, the framework includes sharing risk and response information, clarifying roles and responsibilities, investing in risk reduction, and establishing cost-sharing strategies before and after incidents.

Additionally, New Zealand's first-ever National Flood Map, set to be released by 2027, will outline current and future flood risks, aiding individuals and organizations in understanding and preparing for these challenges, according to Watts.

New legislation will mandate local governments in high-priority areas to devise adaptation plans. "These new adaptation plans will enable people to grasp the risks, understand management strategies, and learn about forthcoming investments in their regions," Watts concluded.