WWF-New Zealand supports science-based, pragmatic solutions that can deliver a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature.
We strongly oppose the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill as New Zealand needs to transition away from fossil fuels and prioritise renewable energy development. Fossil fuels for energy consumption is the leading cause of climate change and and responsible for more than three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions.
New Zealand should be investing in renewable energy rather than appeasing fossil fuel interests. There are better, more sustainable alternatives: distributed solar, energy efficiency improvements, and electrification can provide far more resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to our energy needs.
Our strong view is that this Bill is flawed in its conception, its process, and its purpose. It disregards scientific consensus, economic sense, and New Zealand’s global responsibilities.