New Zealand's 2050 Emissions Reduction Target

To make sure that New Zealand can make a smooth transition to a low-carbon future, the Government is committed to implementing an economically sound and environmentally effective climate change policy. A part of this is a credible long-term emissions reduction target.

In March 2011, the Government notified in the New Zealand Gazette a target for a 50 per cent reduction in New Zealand greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050.

The 1990 level is based on New Zealand’s gross greenhouse gas emissions as per the agreed accounting rules of the Kyoto Protocol under the United Nations Convention Framework on Climate Change.

The 2050 target is based on New Zealand’s net greenhouse gas emissions and will take into account any removals or emissions arising from afforestation or deforestation since 1990 consistent with the Kyoto Protocol under the United Nations Convention Framework rules on climate change.

New Zealand’s 2020 Emissions Reduction Target

In August 2009, the Government announced a 2020 target range to signal New Zealand’s commitment to comprehensive efforts to address global climate change.

New Zealand is prepared to take on a responsibility target for greenhouse gas emissions reductions of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, if there is a comprehensive global agreement. This means:

  • the global agreement sets the world on a pathway to limit temperature rise to not more than 2°C;
  • developed countries make comparable efforts to those of New Zealand;
  • advanced and major emitting developing countries take action fully commensurate with their respective capabilities;
  • there is an effective set of rules for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF); and
  • there is full recourse to a broad and efficient international carbon market.

New Zealand’s 2020 target was decided following consultation with New Zealand business, farmers, environmental groups, Māori, scientists, academics and other stakeholders. The question and answers below set out the government’s rationale for setting New Zealand’s 2020 emissions target.

Last updated: 5 April 2011