new zealand
Credit: Steve Jurvetson/Flickr/Photo courtesy of The Metals Company
New Zealand’s treasured seabed faces threat as mining battles intensify
A new law fast-tracking mining approvals in New Zealand threatens to reignite a long-standing battle between the community and a mining company over the protection of the Taranaki seabed.
In short:
- Trans-Tasman Resources has been trying to mine iron sands off the South Taranaki coast, facing fierce opposition from locals for over a decade.
- A pro-mining government is pushing a law that could fast-track mining projects, bypassing lengthy environmental consent processes.
- The local community, including environmental groups and Māori iwi, fears the mining could devastate marine life and local livelihoods.
Key quote:
“We’re pro-business … but this [area] is far too important to wreck – [mining] is going to wreck it for a lot of years.”
— Phil Morgan, former dairy farmer and avid fisher
Why this matters:
As the government weighs economic gain against environmental protection, the battle for New Zealand’s sea-floor riches is more than just a local issue—it’s a global one, with implications for how we value and protect our planet’s natural resources in the face of growing industrial pressures. Read more: Forty years of “just around the corner.”
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Newsletter
New Zealand's climate policy shift endangers 2050 net zero goal
New Zealand is set to miss its 2050 net zero emissions target after the government scrapped key climate policies, new data reveals.
In short:
- New Zealand's coalition government has failed to announce robust new climate policies, leading to projections that the country will miss its 2050 net zero emissions target.
- The government plans to focus on technology and tree planting rather than shutting down productive sectors or implementing pricing regimes without proper tools for farmers.
- Climate scientists warn that the reliance on undeveloped technologies and offsets like tree planting is a high-risk strategy.
Key quote:
"Many of their policies to date will result in higher annual emissions that will not be offset by either planting trees or the emissions reduction scheme."
— Ralph Sims, Professor Emeritus in Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation at Massey University.
Why this matters:
Missing the 2050 net zero target risks worsening climate change impacts. Without significant changes, New Zealand may face increased financial costs and environmental damage.
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Newsletter
New Zealand cuts climate programs amid budget overhaul
The New Zealand government has slashed funding for climate initiatives in its latest budget, sparking accusations of neglecting environmental protection.
In short:
- The budget prioritizes spending on law and order, education, and health, with no significant new investments in climate-related projects.
- Critics argue the government's approach is backward-looking, focusing on resilience rather than proactive climate mitigation.
- Significant cuts were made to various climate and environmental programs, including the Emissions Reductions Plan and the Climate Change Commission.
Key quote:
"The government’s biggest new investment in the environment is to implement reforms that are going to cause untold environmental harm through the fast track."
— Richard Capie, general manager of conservation, Forest and Bird
Why this matters:
New Zealand's reduced investment in climate action amid a global climate crisis could hinder efforts to combat environmental degradation and climate change. The budget cuts might undermine progress on sustainable development and resilience against future climate-related disasters.
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Photo by Kishan Modi on Unsplash
Protecting New Zealand's cities from climate change
New Zealand's coastal communities bear the brunt of extreme weather events. In Auckland, young engineers and architects are using technology to help their city withstand the impact of our changing climate.
Newsletter
Photo by Michael Jerrard on Unsplash
For New Zealand’s Maori communities, climate change is already hurting
Indigenous communities along New Zealand’s long coastline are feeling the double whammy of climate change and colonialism as extreme weather makes marginal land uninhabitable.
Jacinda Ardern gives final speech, to join Prince William’s Earthshot
Jacinda Ardern delivered her final speech to New Zealand’s Parliament on Wednesday, as the former prime minister is set to begin new global roles combating online extremism and protecting the environment.
Archives New Zealand/Flickr
Cyclone Gabrielle: The New Zealand flood victims too scared to go home
Cyclone Gabrielle has sparked a nationwide debate about climate change and vulnerable homes.
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