Government responds to Climate Change Commission annual monitoring report on emissions reductions

The Government has released its response to He Pou a Rangi - Climate Change Commission’s second annual monitoring report on emissions reductions, which assesses progress against the 2050 target, emissions budgets, and the first emissions reduction plan.

The Government’s response uses the latest emissions projections, also released this month. The Government’s response broadly aligns with the Commission’s recommendations.

• The Government agrees with the Commission’s assessment that both the first and second emissions budgets can be met.

• Our progress has improved compared to last year, with increased buffers or surpluses against the budget limit and expected emissions for both the first and second emissions budgets. These projections provide confidence that New Zealand can meet the first and second emissions budgets.

• The Government also agrees that early action toward longer-term targets, including the third emissions budget, will be important. The Government is committed to exploring opportunities for earlier action, where appropriate.

The annual emissions monitoring report is one of several regular touchpoints throughout the year that provides evidence of how we are tracking towards our targets.