Review of methane science and target
An independent panel has reviewed Aotearoa New Zealand’s biogenic methane science and 2050 target.
The Ministerial advisory panel was appointed in June 2024 and was tasked with reviewing the latest science about biogenic methane to provide an up-to-date evidence base about methane’s warming impact.
The panel members bring extensive New Zealand and international scientific experience across atmospheric physics and chemistry, understanding and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, and climate modelling. The members are:
- Professor Nicola Shadbolt - chair [Massey]
- Professor Bill Collins [University of Reading]
- Professor David Frame [University of Canterbury]
- Dr Sara Milaloff-Fletcher [NIWA]
- Associate Professor Laura Revell [University of Canterbury]
The Government has considered the report alongside He Pou a Rangi | Climate Change Commission’s review of the country’s 2050 targets, and made final decisions on the 2050 biogenic methane target. The target will be reset to 14 – 24 per cent below 2017 levels.
This will require an amendment to the Climate Change Response Act. The Government expects to pass an amendment bill before the end of 2025.
Read more about 2050 target decisions.
The Government has considered the report alongside He Pou a Rangi | Climate Change Commission’s review of the country’s 2050 targets, and made final decisions on the 2050 biogenic methane target. The target will be reset to 14 – 24 per cent below 2017 levels.
This will require an amendment to the Climate Change Response Act. The Government expects to pass an amendment bill before the end of 2025.