Independent review of biogenic methane science and targets announced
The Government is to appoint an independent Ministerial advisory panel to review New Zealand’s biogenic methane science and targets.
The panel will be tasked with reviewing the latest science about biogenic methane to provide an up-to-date evidence base about methane’s warming impact.
The panel will also provide advice on what a biogenic methane target consistent with the principle of no additional warming would look like for New Zealand.
The Government is expected to confirm terms of reference for the review and panel members in mid-2024.
The Climate Change Commission is also reviewing the 2050 climate change targets (including the biogenic methane target) this year. The Commission launched public consultation on its draft advice on 8 April 2024. The Commission’s final advice must be provided to the Minister of Climate Change by 31 December 2024. The Government must respond to the Commission’s advice within 12 months.
See Government announcement Methane targets to be independently reviewed on the Beehive website.