Articles tagged with Climate Change Response Act
New Zealand Updates Climate Change Response Act to Strengthen Adaptation and NZ ETS
2 weeks ago | 208 viewsThe Government is amending the Climate Change Response Act to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure effective climate risk management, including legally requiring councils to develop 30-year adaptation plans for high-risk communities. The Bill also strengthens governance and transparency of the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), addressing investment disincentives and allowing for new carbon removal methods while excluding agriculture. These changes aim to streamline New Zealand’s climate framework, support emissions reduction targets, and deliver practical, results-focused climate action.
Tags: Simon Watts Climate Change Response Act New Zealand NZ ETS Climate Change Minister National Adaptation Framework Climate risks Decarbonisation Market governance Climate targetsGovernment Clarifies Climate Change Laws to Boost Business Certainty and Investment
2 months ago | 487 viewsThe Government plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasizes that climate change responses should be managed nationally through existing frameworks like the Emissions Trading Scheme, rather than through court litigation. This amendment will not affect government responsibilities or businesses’ obligations under the ETS but will ensure a consistent regulatory approach.
Tags: climate change greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act 2002 Emissions Trading Scheme legal clarity business certainty Paul Goldsmith High Court litigation government regulation environmental lawNew Zealand Climate Change Minister Unveils Carbon Removals Framework and Legislative Enhancements
9 months ago | 790 viewsClimate Change Minister Simon Watts introduced a new Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals in New Zealand, aiming to recognize and reward non-forestry carbon removals and support landholders and businesses. The framework aligns with the Government's commitment to climate action that stimulates the economy and promotes emissions reductions, fulfilling an election promise to explore biodiversity credits for initiatives like creating wetlands. Changes to the Climate Change Response Act will streamline processes, improve the NZ ETS, expand opportunities for carbon removal recognition, and reduce compliance costs for stakeholders, with an amendment bill planned for next year.
Tags: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts Assessment Framework Carbon Removals New Zealand Emissions Reduction Plan Biodiversity credits Forestry Climate Change Response Act NZ ETS