New Zealand Government Faces Legal Challenge Over Emissions Plan
BloombergMAY 27
New Zealand: Lawyers Sue Government Over Climate Emissions Plan
Above: The Te Uku wind farm in Raglan, New Zealand on July 5, 2013. Image copyright: Brendon O'Hagan/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Climate activist narrative
The legal proceedings launched by Lawyers for Climate Action NZ and the Environmental Law Initiative will hold the Luxon government accountable for its inadequate ERPs. The current plans rely too heavily on forestry and fail to provide credible solutions to reducing emissions at source. Legal action, therefore, is necessary to defend New Zealand's present and future interests.
Pro-government narrative
New Zealand is well on track to achieve its climate aims. Tools like NZ ETS will actively reshape incentives to encourage businesses to shift away from emissions, while forestry efforts will reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere. Practical solutions like these demonstrate that the Luxon government is committed to meeting New Zealand's climate change targets.