The New Zealand government is facing sharp criticism after announcing a marked reduction in its methane emission targets, a move that environmental groups, scientists, and opposition parties say amounts to “full-blown climate denial.”
What Changed: Methane Target Cut Deeply
- The coalition government revealed plans to cut biogenic methane emissions by 14–24 percent by 2050 (relative to 2017 levels) — a significant weakening from the former target of 24–47 percent.
- It also ruled out introducing a methane tax on the agricultural sector, citing concerns that such a measure would put farms at risk and hurt rural communities.
- The government says it will instead rely on technology, incentives, and partnerships to reduce emissions, not mandatory pricing.
- A legislated review of the methane target is also planned for 2040.
Reaction: Scientists, Environmentalists, and Political Backlash
Environmental campaigners have condemned the move. Greenpeace New Zealand called it a betrayal of climate science, saying the government is “choosing … corporate profits over our kids’ future.”
Scientists warn that the weaker target signals a broader retreat from climate ambition:
- Dr. Christina Hood, a climate policy expert, said reducing ambition will directly lead to more warming, unless offset by even steeper cuts in other gases.
- The Climate Change Commission, which advises the government, had previously recommended methane cuts of 35–47 percent—far higher than the newly announced range.
Opposition parties accuse the government of shifting the goalposts. Labour’s climate spokesperson called the adjustment “weak leadership” and warned it would undermine trade relationships and the country’s environmental credibility.
Why Methane Matters & Risks of Weakening Targets
- Methane (largely from livestock) is a short-lived greenhouse gas, but extremely potent in the near term. Cutting methane is considered among the more effective ways to slow warming in the coming decades.
- The previous targets—24–47 percent—were written into law under the Zero Carbon Amendment Act 2019.
- By lowering the target, New Zealand risks having to make much steeper cuts to CO₂ and other greenhouse gases to compensate—something many experts say is unrealistic.
- There’s also the danger of reputational harm. New Zealand markets itself internationally as “clean, green,” and weakening climate commitments may erode trust among trading partners who increasingly demand climate integrity.
- The approach is also being flagged as an accounting trick: critics argue the “no additional warming” framing allows methane emissions to stay at higher levels rather than forcing real reductions.
Why the Government Says It Made This Change
Officials argue the previous targets would have placed undue burden on the agricultural sector, risking farm closures and economic harm in rural areas.
They also cite the 2024 Methane Science Review, which advised a “no additional warming” approach, as providing scientific grounding for the weaker target.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has defended the decision, affirming that New Zealand remains committed to its net zero by 2050 goal and that methane changes will be fair and workable for the agricultural economy.
What Comes Next & Potential Fallout
- The government must carry out the 2040 review to see whether the target remains appropriate in light of new climate science and global pressure.
- Opposition parties and environmental groups may challenge the decision through legal avenues or public pressure, especially given New Zealand’s existing laws mandating strong climate action.
- Farmers and exporters will be watching closely: changing target ambition could affect market access and trade with climate-conscious buyers.
- Globally, other agricultural nations might interpret New Zealand’s move as an invitation to weaken their own climate ambition, potentially undermining collective climate goals.
