WELLINGTON, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand has passed legislation lowering its 2050 biogenic methane target, aimed at balancing emissions cuts with agricultural productivity.
The new "sensible" biogenic methane target was set in the Climate Change Response (2050 Target and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which passed its third reading on Friday.
The amendment resets the 2050 biogenic methane goal to 14-24 percent below 2017 levels, well below the previous 24-47 percent reduction target.
The bill updates the biogenic methane component of New Zealand's 2050 climate target and makes several other changes to ensure climate legislation remains fit for purpose, said a government statement.
The updated goal is designed to cut agricultural emissions while maintaining productivity and trade competitiveness, giving farmers and exporters "certainty and a clear pathway," said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said that the target remains "practical for farmers," stressing that reductions will come through technology rather than shutting down farms.
The government has committed more than 400 million NZ dollars (232.31 million U.S. dollars) with industry to develop methane-cutting technologies, with the first expected on farms in 2026 and up to 11 available by 2030.
The bill also retains New Zealand's net-zero target for long-lived gases while deferring the fourth emissions budget to reflect the updated 2050 target, the statement said. ■