Commentary on Tranche Two Decisions on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme

by Catherine Leining, Policy Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research. 

Reforming New Zealand’s climate change legislation is a complex tango. Where the Zero Carbon Amendment Bill leads, NZ ETS amendments must follow. The government’s latest NZ ETS policy decisions will help ensure future emission prices rise in step with our targets. Check out our “Top Ten” list of alterations to watch for as we outfit the NZ ETS for the important job ahead or read on for comments on yesterday's announcements.

Commentary on introduction of the Zero Carbon Amendment Bill

by Catherine Leining, Policy Fellow at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research

The Government is heeding the stark warning in the IPCC’s Special Report on 1.5oC and putting New Zealand on an ambitious pathway toward net zero emissions of long-lived GHGs and substantial reductions in methane from agriculture and waste by 2050. The Zero Carbon Amendment Bill may finally light the fire under NZ mitigation action. It breaks important new ground in 6 ways.