Climate Action
© Global Warming Images _ WWF

Climate Action

Accelerating the transition to clean energy in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific to protect nature, strengthen communities, and tackle the climate crisis.

Fossil fuels are the leading driver of climate change, threatening the wildlife, ecosystems, and communities that depend on a stable climate. From rising seas across the Pacific to more frequent extreme weather events here in Aotearoa New Zealand, the impacts of a warming world are already being felt. 

The transition to renewable energy presents an opportunity to build a more resilient, affordable, and sustainable future. By reducing our reliance on coal, oil, and gas, New Zealand can strengthen energy security, support innovation and green jobs, protect biodiversity, and play its part in meeting global climate goals. As a Pacific nation, New Zealand also has an important responsibility to support regional efforts to address the climate crisis and stand alongside communities already facing its most severe impacts.

What is WWF doing?

WWF-New Zealand is working to accelerate the transition away from coal, oil, and gas and towards a cleaner, more resilient future. Through advocacy, policy analysis, public awareness, and regional partnerships, We are challenging fossil fuel expansion, advocating for ambitious climate policies, accelerating investment in climate solutions, and helping people and nature adapt to a changing climate. By championing nature-based solutions that reduce emissions and protect nature, we are helping build a future where both people and wildlife can thrive.

© Pexels

Fossil fuel phase out and offshore oil and gas ban

Aotearoa New Zealand needs to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to protect nature, reduce climate pollution, and build a more resilient future for communities and wildlife. 

WWF-New Zealand is working with Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand (LCANZ) to challenge decisions that risk locking the country into decades of fossil fuel dependence.  This includes advocating for the reinstatement of a ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration and scrutinising proposals for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal.  Our advocacy aims to challenge misconceptions about fossil fuels and energy security, build support for a just transition to a low-carbon economy, and make the case for climate action that benefits people and nature.
 

© Milos Muller _ Shutterstock

Climate Misinformation Report

New Zealanders need accurate, evidence-based information to understand the choices in front of us. We are being told that expanding fossil fuel supply is necessary for energy security, affordability, economic growth and jobs. 

WWF-New Zealand’s report examines Government communications about the reversal of the offshore oil and gas exploration ban and the proposed LNG import facility. It compares Ministers’ public statements with official advice, independent research and other publicly available evidence and finds a consistent pattern of unsupported or overstated claims and important context left out.

Our report found that 88% of Government communications assessed showed high or very high alignment with internationally recognised climate obstruction narratives. It concludes that stronger measures are needed to protect climate information integrity and ensure New Zealanders receive accurate, evidence-based and complete information about major energy and climate policy decisions.

© Tom Vierus_Climate Visuals

A fossil fuel free Pacific

The Pacific is on the frontline of the climate crisis, with rising seas, extreme weather, and ocean impacts threatening communities, livelihoods, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Pacific leaders have called for a just and equitable transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific, recognising that reducing reliance on coal, oil and gas is essential for climate resilience, energy security, economic stability, and the long-term health of the region’s people and ecosystems.

As a Pacific nation, New Zealand has an important role to play in supporting this vision. WWF-New Zealand advocates for New Zealand to align its domestic policies with Pacific climate leadership by accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, supporting renewable energy development, and strengthening regional climate action. A Fossil Fuel Free Pacific is not only critical for protecting nature and communities across the region, but also essential for maintaining New Zealand’s credibility as a climate leader and a trusted partner in the Pacific. 

© Mongkolchon Akesin _ Shutterstock

Trade, International Commitments and Climate Leadership

New Zealand’s climate decisions have implications beyond our borders, with many of our trade agreements creating important obligations around environmental protection and climate action.

WWF-New Zealand works to ensure the Government’s climate and environment policies are scrutinised against its international commitments.

We sit on the Domestic Advisory Group established under New Zealand’s UK and EU Free Trade Agreements, which helps scrutinise government compliance with international environmental and climate commitments.

We work to highlight the trade, legal and reputational risks of fossil fuel expansion, including the potential consequences of failing to meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and commitments embedded in its free trade agreements. We also examine the economic costs of investing in fossil fuel infrastructure and make the case for an energy transition that reduces climate pollution, protects nature, and supports long-term prosperity.

Climate Change News

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Submission on Crown Minerals Amendment Bill

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Submission on draft second Emissions Reduction Plan

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Emissions Reduction Plan just more hot air

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Expanding coal mining in 21st century an “absurd, selfish decision”

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Our natural environment is the real crisis

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