Pacific climate leaders have expressed their disappointment following New Zealand’s recent decision to significantly lower its methane reduction targets. At the Adaptation Futures Conference in Christchurch, Tuvalu’s Climate Minister Maina Talia emphasized that achieving the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius cannot rely solely on carbon reduction efforts. He highlighted the need to address methane and other short-lived climate pollutants as critical components of effective climate action.
This discontent arose after New Zealand announced on October 12 that it would reduce its biogenic methane reduction targets to a range of 14-24 percent below 2017 levels by 2050, revising down from its prior commitment of 24-47 percent. Minister Talia conveyed his frustration, stating, “We are disheartened to hear that New Zealand is decreasing its emission targets,” during an interview with Pacific Waves.
Sefanaia Nawadra, director-general of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, echoed this disappointment and urged New Zealand to assume greater responsibility for its emissions. He expressed hope that New Zealand could still play a significant role in achieving necessary global reductions, stating, “I know Pacific Island countries will be disappointed because it doesn’t contribute constructively to the work we’re all trying to do.”
Discussions around climate action are often dominated by carbon emissions, but Nawadra pointed out the importance of including methane reductions in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of large methane-producing nations like New Zealand. A report by the New Zealand Climate Change Commission noted that for every percentage point reduction in methane ambition, the country would need to offset 36-44 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent elsewhere.
The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) reacted strongly to New Zealand’s revised targets, calling the decision “shocking news.” Caleb Pollard from PISFCC remarked that such governmental actions have unfortunately become a trend and underscored the necessity of shared responsibility among all nations in addressing climate issues.
Activists have criticized the climate policies of both New Zealand and Australia. While New Zealand lowers its targets, Australia faces scrutiny for extending major gas export projects, raising concerns about their broader impacts on the Pacific region, which already suffers from the severe consequences of climate change.
Cynthia Houniuhi, president of PICFCC, characterized New Zealand and Australia as ‘big brothers’ of the Pacific, suggesting that both countries have the potential to demonstrate true leadership in climate action. She pointed out that the same cyclones affecting nations like Vanuatu also impact New Zealand and Australia, underscoring the shared risks faced by all.
In response to the concerns raised about methane reduction, New Zealand’s Climate Minister Simon Watts mentioned technological challenges and the need to maintain agricultural production to meet global demands. However, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting international emissions reduction targets and expressed anticipation for discussions with Pacific counterparts at the upcoming COP30 in Brazil.
As the urgency of climate issues escalates, collaboration among nations is essential in enhancing commitments to fight climate change. The disappointment expressed by Pacific leaders serves as a vital reminder of the need for increased ambition from all countries, particularly in mitigating the risks that climate change poses to vulnerable regions. Such united efforts may pave the way for a more sustainable future for the Pacific Islands and the world, creating a coalition of governments and communities dedicated to combating climate change together.