Emissions data encouraging – more still needed

New Zealand’s action to cut emissions is delivering results, says climate change minister James Shaw.

 Data released by Stats NZ shows total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have fallen to their lowest levels in eight years – the fourth quarter in a row where emissions have dropped.

 “This has been a long time coming, but it shows that what we are doing is working,” says Shaw.

“We just need to keep doing more of it.”

 Shaw says the result of that work (including promoting EVs) is showing.

“And if we keep pushing harder and keep doing more, we can make sure our emissions stay on a downward trajectory until they hit net-zero.

“If we can build on the progress we have made in Government and take more urgent action, then we still have a decent chance of avoiding the worst effects of climate change.”

Shaw says recent climate science “made patently clear that the window of opportunity to take the necessary action is closing fast”.

However, the report shows transport, postal, and warehousing services emissions increased 9.3% (118kt), driven by transport.

“This aligns with strong GDP growth (9.0%) recorded for this industry in the September quarter,” the report adds.

Total household emissions increased by 3.0% (61kt), dominated by private transport emissions, which increased by 3.3% (61kt).

The next Stats NZ report on GHG emissions (industry and household) for the December 2022 quarter will be released on July 20.