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Climate change

Myth: Coal, oil & gas development in NZ will affect the climate.

Reality: Fossil fuels do lead to greenhouse gas emissions, however, this statement needs to be measured in the context of New Zealand’s climate change response. That is that we must do our fair share - and we are. For example, New Zealand has 70% renewable electricity generation, a world leading figure. While close to half our emissions come from agriculture, this industry helps feed the world and is less emissions intensive than it is in many other countries. 

Myth: NZ should ban coal mining and oil & gas development, to reduce emissions.

Reality: Yes, but climate change demands a global response. That will include carbon capture and storage technologies (CCS) to address the fact the world will continue to burn fossil fuels for many years yet. According to the International Energy Agency, 47% of new electricity generation in the last decade is based on coal. Unilateral action would only harm NZ – e.g. closure of dairy and wood processors, steel mill, methanol plant, cement plants - while not benefiting the climate, unless the world acts in concert. It is not, at present.  

Myth: CCS doesn’t work and is corporate spin.

Reality: The IEA reports more than 70 large-scale CCS R&D projects in operation, not in operation, or in the planning around the globe. Many billions of dollars are being spent on this - a serious investment aimed at dealing with global reality, i.e. 1 trillion tonnes of coal is due to be burned in coming decades. That said, CCS is yet to be implemented at scale. For that, significant investment and de-risking, e.g. via improved regulatory environments, will be needed.

Myth: Lignite is particularly bad for the climate because the level of GHG emissions is high.

Reality: This depends on the use of the lignite, and whether CCS is deployed.