Our climate is changing faster than at any other time in our history. These changes are caused by rapidly increasing greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere, which are now at their highest levels in 3 million years.
In New Zealand, our energy use makes up almost 40% of our greenhouse gas emissions. Those emissions are created when we burn fossil fuels – driving a petrol car or diesel truck, travelling by plane, burning gas for manufacturing or burning coal to create electricity.
Our opportunity is to reverse these changes by choosing to live more, with less energy.
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New Zealand's emissions
New Zealand has a commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. How are we tracking?
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The electricity grid
Why the time of day we use electricity makes a difference.
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A guide to the language of climate change
Find out what exactly the words and phrases around climate change mean.
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Calculate your carbon footprint
Your carbon footprint is a measurement of the greenhouse gas emissions that are attributed to your day-to-day activities.
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The Emissions Trading Scheme explained
The NZ ETS uses market forces to encourage businesses to adopt more climate-friendly practices – what does this mean for you?
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The emissions reduction plan explained
Learn about the Government’s plan for transitioning New Zealand to a low-emissions future.