Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019.
Country
Type of law
Legislation
Abstract
The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 (The Act) amends the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (Principal Act) in several sections. It amends the purpose inserting before section 3(1) (a),: (aa) provide a framework by which New Zealand can develop and implement clear and stable climate change policies that— (i) contribute to the global effort under the Paris Agreement to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels; and (ii) allow New Zealand to prepare for, and adapt to, the effects of climate change.
The Act inserts as well New Parts 1A (Climate Change Commission), 1B (Emission reduction) and 1C (Adaptation). Part 1A establishes the Climate Change Commission, clarify the purposes, membership, process for appointment and Commission’s functions, duties, and powers. Part 1B sets a new domestic greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for New Zealand and establishes a system of emissions budgets to act as stepping stones towards the long-term target. Subpart 3 clarifies the role of Commission to advise on emissions budgets. Part 1C requires the Minister to prepare and make publicly available the first national climate change risk assessment; later this responsibility will fall on the Commission. In response to each national climate change risk assessment, the Minister must prepare a national adaptation plan. A national adaptation plan must set out (a) the Government’s objectives for adapting to the effects of climate change; and (b) the Government’s strategies, policies, and proposals for meeting those objectives; and (c) the time frames for implementing the strategies, policies, and proposals; and (d) how the matters in paragraphs (a) to (c) address the most significant risks identified in the most recent national climate change risk assessment; and (e) the measures and indicators that will enable regular monitoring of and reporting on the implementation of the strategies, policies, and proposals.
The Act inserts as well New Parts 1A (Climate Change Commission), 1B (Emission reduction) and 1C (Adaptation). Part 1A establishes the Climate Change Commission, clarify the purposes, membership, process for appointment and Commission’s functions, duties, and powers. Part 1B sets a new domestic greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for New Zealand and establishes a system of emissions budgets to act as stepping stones towards the long-term target. Subpart 3 clarifies the role of Commission to advise on emissions budgets. Part 1C requires the Minister to prepare and make publicly available the first national climate change risk assessment; later this responsibility will fall on the Commission. In response to each national climate change risk assessment, the Minister must prepare a national adaptation plan. A national adaptation plan must set out (a) the Government’s objectives for adapting to the effects of climate change; and (b) the Government’s strategies, policies, and proposals for meeting those objectives; and (c) the time frames for implementing the strategies, policies, and proposals; and (d) how the matters in paragraphs (a) to (c) address the most significant risks identified in the most recent national climate change risk assessment; and (e) the measures and indicators that will enable regular monitoring of and reporting on the implementation of the strategies, policies, and proposals.
Attached files
Web site
Date of text
Repealed
No
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No
Amends