Fifth anniversary snapshot shows 3.6m tonnes CLC emissions reduction

The Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) fifth anniversary Snapshot Report reveals signatories have collectively reduced their emissions by 3.6 million tonnes.

Signatories have trebled the number of EVs and hybrids in their vehicle fleets to 3353 and are trialling a number of New Zealand and world-first EVs like passenger ferries, diggers, fire engines, jetboats and tipper trucks.

“I’m really proud of what the coalition has achieved over the past five years in the context of tough trading conditions and inflationary pressures, not to mention COVID-19 disruptions,” says CLC convenor and Spark chief executive Jolie Hodson.

“The combined emissions reduction achieved by our signatories between the time they signed up to the coalition and now is 3.6 million tCO2e. That’s a cumulative 29% reduction and equivalent to the average annual emissions of 270,000 New Zealanders.

“The work of signatories to reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change is also underpinned by significant current and planned investment of $19 billion between 2020 and 2030.”

Highlights also include 100% of signatories working within their value chains, including with suppliers and customers, to reduce their scope three emissions, compared to 60% in 2018-19.

About 85% of signatories have a 1.5 degree-aligned emissions reduction pathway for scope 1 and 2 emissions. The remainder are working on moving to a 1.5 degree-aligned target or waiting on updated guidance from the Science-Based Targets initiative.

Some 97% of signatories have identified and measured their current significant scope three emissions, up from 35% in 2018-19.

About 83% of signatories are now disclosing their climate risks and opportunities, up from 21% in 2020.

The coalition has advocated for a stable climate change legislative and policy architecture through three general election cycles, to provide certainty for businesses and communities to invest and transform.

“Emissions reductions from here on in will be hard won,” says Hodson.

“We look forward to working with the incoming Government and wider Parliament to meet New Zealand’s emissions reduction goals, improve climate resilience, and provide for a just transition.”