New Zealand Establishes New Climate Commitment
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Synopsis
New Zealand has set a new climate target under the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce emissions by 51 to 55 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. This commitment reinforces the nation's dedication to global climate action and aligns with its existing targets.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand's target aims for a 51-55% emissions reduction by 2035.
- This builds on the earlier 50% reduction goal for 2030.
- The target aligns with the Paris Agreement's objectives.
- Focus on enhancing the Emissions Trading Scheme and innovative technologies.
- Commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Wellington, Jan 30 (NationPress) On Thursday, New Zealand unveiled its second international climate objective under the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 51 to 55 percent reduction in emissions by 2035, relative to levels in 2005.
This target is to be met by the conclusion of 2035 and builds on the prior goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2030, a requirement of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This was stated by Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, who emphasized the importance of establishing Nationally Determined Contributions for shrinking greenhouse gas emissions.
The minister described the new target as both ambitious and attainable, illustrating New Zealand's dedication to the Paris Agreement and global climate initiatives.
"Achieving this target signifies that we are contributing fairly to mitigating the effects of climate change while enabling New Zealand to become more resilient and prosperous in the face of a shifting climate," he affirmed.
With this updated target, New Zealand can concentrate on measures that will yield the most significant impact toward achieving its net zero goal by 2050, aligning the country’s international and domestic climate commitments, Watts added.
The nation’s climate strategy aims to enhance the Emissions Trading Scheme, promote innovative technologies to decrease agricultural emissions, and expedite the transition to a cleaner, electrified economy, ensuring that climate objectives coincide with economic growth. According to Watts, this requires increased innovation to foster low-emission technologies powered by abundant and affordable clean energy, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
New Zealand is steadfast in fulfilling its initial and subsequent Nationally Determined Contributions to mitigate climate change impacts, Watts noted.
The United Nations defines climate change as long-term alterations in temperatures and weather patterns. While shifts can occur naturally due to solar activity or significant volcanic eruptions, human actions have been the predominant cause of climate change since the 1800s, chiefly due to the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
Fossil fuel combustion generates greenhouse gas emissions that envelop the Earth, trapping solar heat and elevating temperatures.
The primary greenhouse gases responsible for climate change include carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are released when gasoline is burned in vehicles or coal is utilized for heating structures. Deforestation and land conversion also contribute to carbon dioxide emissions. Major sources of methane emissions include agriculture, oil, and gas operations. Key sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions encompass energy, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture, and land usage.
