Government considers climate change target

The New Zealand government is seeking input on a target to limit climate change by 2030, ahead of a global meeting later this year.

In a consultation document published this month, the government asks for views on a realistic 15-year target for the country. Submissions must take into account the potential costs to the economy and consider what action other countries are taking, the document says.

“We need to ensure that our target is considered fair and ambitious. But we also need to ensure that the costs for New Zealand are fair compared with what other countries are doing,” it says. “Doing more than our fair share would also impact the competitiveness of New Zealand businesses and place unnecessary costs on households.”