Smart Net-Zero

Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand | Source | Download (Full) | Download (Agri Chapter) 

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the initial emissions reduction plan encompasses a range of strategies, policies, and actions aimed at accomplishing the first emissions budget while also contributing to global endeavors aimed at capping the increase in global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A significant portion of Aotearoa New Zealand's gross emissions, precisely 50 percent, is attributed to agricultural emissions, encompassing most of the nitrous oxide and biogenic methane emissions. Reducing these emissions is imperative to meet the 2050 target, which includes the mandate to curtail biogenic methane emissions by 24–47 percent by the year 2050. By reducing agricultural emissions, Aotearoa New Zealand aims to bolster its reputation as a provider of agricultural products that are both low in emissions and trustworthy. It is vital for this plan to align with other initiatives designed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity within the primary sector, in accordance with the government's Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential roadmap.

The key actions within this plan are as follows:

Pricing Agricultural Emissions:

• By the year 2025, the plan intends to introduce a mechanism for pricing agricultural emissions.
• Additionally, support will be provided to early adopters of low-emissions practices in the agricultural sector.

Accelerating Mitigation Technologies:

• To stimulate innovation and uptake of mitigation technologies on farms, a new Center for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions will be established.

Supporting Producers in Making Changes:

• There will be funding allocated for tikanga-based programs that cater to the specific needs and aspirations of Māori communities.
• Furthermore, climate-focused extension and advisory services will be introduced to offer guidance and support to producers.

Transitioning to Lower-Emissions Land Uses and Systems:

• The plan aims to foster the development of food and fiber science, along with mātauranga Māori accelerators, as a means of facilitating the transition to land uses and systems that are lower in emissions.