Forestry fears unfounded, say sector players

Friday 7 Feb 2025

 
New Zealand does not need to plant vast areas of new forests to meet new greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, say foresters and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts. Last month the government announced plans to reduce emissions by 51-55% compared to 2005 levels by 2035, as part of its second international climate target under the Paris Agreement.

Federated Farmers and Beef + Lamb NZ both said the new target will require a surge in new afforestation to achieve, but Watts said that is not the case.

“That is not the reality.” Watts said in an interview that forestry offsetting is part of the government’s emissions reduction plan, but other measures, such as renewable energy, electric vehicles and technology for the agricultural sector, will all contribute.

“We want to grow the economy, and we need the agricultural sector to play to its strengths. There has got to be a balance so we ensure we do not put NZ farming at risk,” said Watts.

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Source & image credit: Farmers Weekly


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