David Seymour, the leader of the ACT Party, has called for New Zealand to withdraw from the “broken” Paris Climate Agreement unless significant reforms are made to allow for lower emission targets. He argues that the current framework punishes households, businesses, and farmers, and criticizes the agreement for setting unrealistic climate goals detached from local realities.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pushed back against Seymour’s proposal, asserting that exiting the agreement would harm New Zealand’s agricultural sector, as competitors would simply seek alternative suppliers. Luxon emphasized the need for New Zealand to remain engaged in the global market while also exploring avenues to address methane emissions without overburdening the agricultural sector.
The ACT Party aims to push for more achievable national emission reduction targets and supports a “split gas” approach, suggesting policies similar to those in Uruguay. The ongoing debate highlights divisions within the government, especially regarding the inclusion of agriculture in emissions trading schemes and the broader implications of international climate commitments.
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