NZ's New Targets to Manage Methane Emissions
The government has announced new targets to reduce methane emissions, lowering the 2050 target range to 14-24% below 2017 levels, from the previously legislated 24-47%.
The current domestic target of a 24-47% reduction in biogenic methane by 2050 will be revised, with the government citing the upper end of the range as "unrealistic" and potentially leading to economic uncertainty and increased food production costs.
New Zealand is unusual across developed countries in that around half of our greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture.
- The new target range for 2050 is set at 14-24% reduction in biogenic methane emissions.
- Targets for 2030 will remain unchanged.
- The government has decided not to pursue a tax on agricultural methane emissions.
Author's summary: NZ lowers methane emissions targets to 14-24% by 2050.