Tell the Government to commit to a strong emissions reduction target 

Creating a submission is your opportunity to share your perspective with decision makers, and you can do this within minutes. Below we’ve created a quick explainer, with instructions on how to create a submission on the Climate Targets, with recommendations on what you may want to include. 

Why does this matter? 

The Ministry for the Environment is providing New Zealanders with an opportunity to provide feedback on New Zealand’s international climate change target before Cabinet takes final decisions on NDC2. 

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The Government is required to set its second international climate change target under the Paris Agreement (known as a Nationally Determined Contribution or NDC) by 10 February 2025. The UK has just set a target of reducing their emissions 81% by 2035. Aotearoa New Zealand should be aiming to match, or better, this. 

We are asking you to submit on the consultation pushing the Government to commit to real, effective, climate action. 

What could my submission say?    

Try to use your own words as much as possible, while encouraging the Government to commit to taking real climate action. We have some suggestions below, please do change them up. 

Consultation questions 

1. Do you have any comments on the CCC's advice?

I agree with the Climate Change Commission, which highlights that Aotearoa could achieve greater emissions reductions in the NDC2 period than we are currently projected to, but that delaying action or introducing policies that encourage high-emission activities could make these contributions impossible. 

We are in a position now to make the kind of contribution to NDC2 that the urgency of the climate crisis requires, but only if the Government set us up for success through an ambitious Emissions Reduction Plan to take us to 2030. 

2. What factors should the Government prioritise when setting NDC2? Please select your top 3, with 1 being the most important priority.

1. Align with the goal of limiting global warming to no more than 1.5°C 
2. Align with the Global Stocktake recommendations
3. Ensure there is a clear plan for delivering the target  

Any additional comments ?

Aotearoa is in a good position relative to other countries to do our bit to reduce emissions at home. Emissions reductions versus the economy, or versus cost is a false trade-off – climate action has a massive potential to grow Aotearoa’s economy and reduce our need to import expensive oil and petrol when we end our reliance on fossil fuels.   

3. What factors in New Zealand’s economic outlook should be taken into consideration when setting NDC2?

The Government’s aim to grow the economy pairs well with climate action. The Government should be supporting and actively investing in transitioning away from reliance on fossil fuels and from carbon-heavy industry. This investment will pay off: for example, a high value food production sector, a more efficient transport system that is safer and lower cost for people, thriving biodiversity and nature, and the creation of thousands of new skilled jobs to deliver the infrastructure we need to reduce emissions across the economy. 

4. What factors do you think are most important for deciding a “fair share” for New Zealand for its NDC2?

We are in a privileged economic position compared to many other countries when it comes to reducing our emissions, and there are a lot of low-cost, low-intervention policies that can deliver domestic emissions reductions that have not yet been taken up. We have high-capita emissions compared to other countries. This means we have an urgent, moral imperative to commit to as ambitious a target as possible considering how we have historically benefitted from emissions-intensive activities, compared to other nations. Aotearoa is at its best when it takes the lead on important global issues, and this is a chance for us to do the same again. 

5. Should NDC2 be set at a level that is achievable with domestic action only or should it be set at a level that is achievable with a mix of domestic action and international cooperation (offshore mitigation)?

Choose: A mix of domestic action and international cooperation 

Comment: Any use of offshore mitigation should be socially responsible. This has the potential to be a way for Aotearoa to demonstrate solidarity with the Global South and our Pacific Island relatives.