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Australians choose batteries over nuclear after election fought on energy

Australia has voted in the Labour party, instilling long-term confidence in the country’s renewable energy strategy. The party’s overwhelming majority could pave the way for more ambitious policies; like installing one million home batteries by 2030 and establishing stronger climate targets post-election. This could be bad news for BHP, Rio Tinto, Santos, Whitehaven Coal, and Woodside Energy – the five major Australian fossil fuel companies which have been proven to be responsible for over...

Government 'wilfully blind' on climate change, specialists say

Despite frequent warnings from scientists that climate change is worsening faster than expected, the current government is displaying ‘wilful blindness’ to the facts according to climate specialists. If the lacklustre new emissions reduction target isn’t enough, climate change is no longer a top threat for the defence force in its latest spending plan. Climate change was only mentioned twice despite constant warnings. What is needed for the government to take experts seriously?What’s mor...

Climate change is a real financial risk, Super Fund managers say

Across the globe and here in New Zealand, climate change is emerging not only as an environmental crisis but as a profound economic and social challenge. Financial institutions such as New Zealand’s Super Fund and global giants like JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley now treat climate change as a long-term financial risk. These organisations are aligning with the Paris Agreement and adjusting investment strategies, even as they acknowledge the likelihood of catastrophic warming beyond 2°C. While inv...

Govt belatedly backs ‘world class’ offshore wind farms

The New Zealand government has recently endorsed the development of world-class offshore wind farms after initial delays, highlighting a critical step toward expanding renewable energy capacity, but also raising questions about the government's commitment to lower emissions. The government is also advocating for the removal of many environmentally beneficial procurement rules, which could reshape governmental contracts.  Discussions on the possibility of an "anti-woke" banking law questions...

Paris agreement 'more for big countries' says NZ climate minister

The integrity of New Zealand’s climate change goals and commitment are in question… again, after Climate Change Minister Simon Watts told attendees at an event organised by Waikato Federated Farmers that New Zealand committed to the Paris Agreement’s climate goals purely out of optics. So New Zealand “could be seen to do its part”. What’s worse, is that he downplayed the potential costs we could face as a country if we don’t meet our targets, saying “no one sends you an invoice�...

Companies quietly quitting climate schemes

We start this week with a look at several NZ based companies who have quietly abandoned their climate targets without mentioning that fact to the public.  Most didn’t want to be interviewed, some are sticking with their goals, most notably 2 Degrees which hoped to slash emissions by 90% by 2030. On the positive side, Fonterra dairy farmers will be able to earn cash for their climate efforts starting on 1 June. The dairy giant has announced it will pay an extra 1-5 cents a kilogram of milk...

Unambitious and undermined: why NZ’s latest climate pledge lacks the crucial ‘good faith’ factor

Recent global and national climate politics have been marked by the tension between environmental ambitions and economic interests with an increased emphasis on access to the necessary environmental, economic and social data and science, which is necessary for informed and accurate decision making. New Zealand’s latest climate pledge has been described as Unambitious and undermined: Why NZ's latest climate pledge lacks the crucial good faith factor. The country has committed to ...

NZ’s climate credentials on the line in 2025

Our government is scheduled to announce its next emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement by February 10th. However, our current climate policies are no longer a sufficient contribution to the global effort to keep warming at 1.5 °C. The world will be looking closely to see whether we raise the ambition of our emissions reduction targets, or if we will continue to lag behind other countries part of the agreement. Needless to say, our clean and green reputation is on the line.2025 is...

New Zealand drops seven places, to 41st, in global climate change league table

Recent headlines highlight diverse and urgent climate issues. New Zealand has fallen seven spots to 41st in the global climate change league table, reflecting setbacks in climate policies, despite its ambitious 2030 target. In Europe, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK lead in climate performance, showcasing rapid renewable energy growth, though many countries still rely heavily on fossil fuels. In New Zealand, Auckland Airport has advanced sustainability by installing energy-efficient LED run...

Small steps are underway to pay other countries to help meet New Zealand's international climate change commitments

New Zealand is taking incremental steps to meet its international climate commitments, including the possibility of paying other nations, such as Ghana, to implement clean technologies on its behalf, a practice already used by countries like Switzerland. However, critics warn that this may represent "carbon colonialism," suggesting New Zealand should address its own emissions rather than outsourcing the problem. This mirrors global discussions about equitable climate responsibility.In Australia,...

Materials ‘green’ premia: Trends and outlook to 2030

The world faces multifaceted environmental challenges, from water scarcity to the impact of climate change on ecosystems. In industries such as metals and mining, producers are responding by offering low-carbon materials with "green premiums," but market instability threatens their future viability. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle (EV) sector is poised for transformation, with battery prices expected to fall by nearly 50% by 2026, driving broader EV adoption. These shifts coincide with increased...

Gen Z Talks About This Kind Of Anxiety More Than Anyone Else — But We're All Starting To Feel It

In this issue, we cover a multitude of articles now increasingly being dominated by those with a negative spin.  We open with how Generation Z is coping with a future dominated by increasing levels of extreme weather events by coming together to face it in community events determined to make a difference and not dwell in despair.  We examine some of the science behind these extreme weather events and how New Zealand is likely to have to deal with more of them, along with the rest of th...

Last coal power station in UK shuts down, brings coal era to end after 143 years

It’s an end of an era. The last coal power station in the UK has shut down, drawing a 143 years of power generation from coal in the UK to a close. Also in the UK, Londoners are seeing more children taking active transport after the introduction of low-carbon zones in the city.Looking over to the Netherlands, the Hague has become the first city in the world to completely ban fossil fuels and high emitting industries from advertising. With the amount of greenwashing from the fossil fuel in...

‘Competition’ won’t solve our energy problem

The NZ Government has the power to secure our energy supply/future – but it seems it doesn’t want to. Whether it’s ‘pumped hydro’ storage, or solar, the market needs guidance from central government. Collectively we have had the power to solve the problem, we just need our government to act in the best interests of everyone. NZ is experiencing an energy crisis; wholesale prices are having a negative effect on businesses. The energy industry needs to respond with generation projects tha...

The overshoot myth: you can’t keep burning fossil fuels and expect scientists of the future to get us back to 1.5°C

SnippETS this week explores the myth of overshoot and takes a look at how limiting warming to 1.5 degrees may seem like a laudable goal but can also be a barrier to more innovative and aspirational responses to climate change. Long before goals of 1.5 degree's were discussed Sweden was though well ahead of the game and has made progress far ahead of most other countries with innovation, coordination, financial incentives and disincentives aligned to drive positive and enduring change.Climat...

Canada Passes Environmental Racism Law; Bill C-226

This week on SnippETS, we showcase many social, technological, and scientific niches impacted by climate change. Staring with a landmark bill, recently passed in Canada, which defines “environmental racism”. This bill recognises the disempowerment of First Nations Canadians through hostile design and weaponised degradation of natural environments. The history of environmental racism in Canada is long, but this bill brings hope of reparations.In building a better future, we can forget to look...

A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

The global landscape of environmental and climate action is experiencing a transformative phase, marked by significant milestones and innovative initiatives. Recent reports indicate that global climate pollution may have peaked, thanks to the growing influence of clean technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. However, the persistent rise in atmospheric CO2 levels highlight the urgency for further emission reductions.In a significant move, the Biden administration ...

‘A momentous day for nature’: EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity

The European Union has taken a great first step towards restoring their ecosystems, passing a law that aims to restore 20 percent of Europe’s damaged land and sea ecosystems by 2030. Although this law could be under threat with the rise of far-right politics in the EU, it serves as a reminder of what a government that takes actions to protect their ecosystems looks like.Speaking of Europe, cars are slowing down in European cities. As we discuss whether lower urban speed limits have a place in ...

‘Godfathers of climate chaos’: UN chief urges global fossil-fuel advertising ban

The head of the UN is calling for advertisers to stop supporting the “Godfathers of climate chaos”, God fathers of chaos being the fossil fuel industry.  António Guterres, goes as far to say they should be treated like Tobacco companies as the products they sell are bad for the world’s health.We need to stop treating the deep ocean as a resource that needs to be plundered, one study found that even 26 years following extraction, the deep-sea ecosystem would not have returned to its p...

Chief sustainability officers are burning out. Has the role become unsustainable?

This week SnippETS brings you to the front lines of the green transition, which might getting be too hot to handle.Chief sustainability officers around the world are burning out in a high-demand, low-precedent field at rates that are simply unsustainable. Meanwhile, the Guardian surveyed climate scientists to ask how they feel about our progress in the fight against climate change. They responded with wisdom, support, criticism, calls to rally, and most important of all: hope. The fight isn’t ...

Fast-track Approvals Bill presents a serious risk to New Zealand exporters

As the world grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, various articles shed light on critical aspects of this global crisis. From legislative decisions impacting environmental protection and trade dynamics to innovative technological advancements and the profound implications on human health and rights, the dialogue surrounding climate change encompasses a spectrum of interconnected issues.The Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the National Government in New Zealan...

Unlock Emissions Reduction with Energy and Sustainability Teams Working Together

It’s all too common that we find organisations have separate teams for sustainability (including carbon reporting) and energy management. These teams rarely collaborate. This presents an enormous opportunity for improvement.One of the reasons for this lack of collaboration appears to be that in its infancy, carbon reporting has been largely a box-ticking exercise. The information hasn’t necessarily been used to inform a wider organisational strategy, so there is no need for highly detailed e...

Five reasons why the Fast-track Approvals Bill threatens NZ’s already fragile ecosystems

In this issue, we take a very Aotearoa New Zealand perspective, starting with the Fast-track Approvals Bill, where public submissions closed last Friday.  Even the Auditor-General and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment are urging the Select Committee, which is currently reviewing the legislation, to consider changes to the decision-making process laid out in the new legislation.  Giving just three ministers the ability to override environment protections, all in the name of...

Sustainable Business Council interviews Don MacKenzie

The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) recently interviewed our Sustainability and Business Operations Manager, Don MacKenzie to talk about the history of CarbonEES®, our energy and carbon management software, e-Bench®, and our plans for the future......

It is now cheaper to run a fully electric home and EV in NZ than to use fossil fuels

A new report shows Kiwi households could save thousands if they electrify their homes and cars. New Zealand is one of the first countries to reach what’s called the ‘electrification tipping point’, where households can save money and significantly reduce their emissions by electrifying their appliances and vehicles.Speaking of reports, researchers at the University of Bonn found that a broad majority of the world's population supports climate action and is willing to incur a personal cost ...