Today the New Zealand Government declared a climate emergency. The motion in the House passed by 76 votes to 43.

New Zealand is the 33rd country in the world to declare a climate change emergency. The declaration acknowledged that over 1800 jurisdictions in 32 countries have already declared a climate emergency and are committed to avoid a more than 1.5°C rise in global warming.

The Prime Minister will chair a new committee to ensure all Ministers and government agencies are prioritising climate action.

Government agencies will now be required to purchase electric vehicles or hybrids, and coal boilers in the ministries and agencies will be phased out. All government services are to be carbon neutral by 2025 .

Further information: New Zealand Government to declare a climate emergency, Climate emergency declaration will be matched with long-term action,  Climate emergency declaration: ‘We need to see action happening,’  New Zealand climate emergency declared after Ardern tells House to ‘be on the right side of history’

Photo: Mark Mitchell