Greenpeace Praises Greens’ Plan to Tackle Dairy Emissions, Urges Firm Commitment
Source: DairyNews.today
Greenpeace has welcomed the Green Party’s proposed measures to address climate pollution from New Zealand’s dairy sector, unveiled in the party’s He Ara Anamata alternative emissions reduction plan.
However, the environmental group cautioned that political resolve would be crucial to implementing the policies in future coalition negotiations.
"The intensive dairy industry, driven by companies like Fonterra, is New Zealand’s largest climate polluter, emitting significant levels of methane—a superheating greenhouse gas," said Amanda Larsson, Greenpeace spokesperson.
The Green Party’s plan includes phasing out palm kernel and synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, incorporating agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable, ecological farming practices.
Methane’s Climate Impact
Livestock farming is New Zealand’s leading source of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reducing methane emissions from meat and dairy production is considered essential for slowing global warming in the near term.
"New Zealand’s oversized dairy herds, sustained by synthetic inputs, are a major contributor to the climate crisis," Larsson noted. "It’s encouraging to see the Greens take a stand with policies that align agriculture with ecological principles, benefiting farmers, animals, and the environment."
Political Challenges Ahead
Larsson emphasized that the Greens’ success would depend on their ability to push these measures through, should they become part of a governing coalition. She pointed to previous government failures to hold the dairy industry accountable, including under a Green climate change minister who did not bring agriculture into the ETS despite six years in office.
"The Greens must demonstrate unwavering commitment to these policies if elected," she said.
Escalating Climate Concerns
Greenpeace highlighted the urgency of addressing dairy emissions amid escalating climate risks. Record-breaking global temperatures in 2024 have underscored the challenge of keeping warming within the 1.5°C threshold, a target seen as critical to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
"Climate change is an emergency, and methane emissions from meat and dairy are fueling the fire," Larsson warned. "The choices we make now will define the future. We have the technology and tools to act—what’s needed is the political will to use them."
Greenpeace reiterated its call for systemic changes in agriculture, including a shift toward plant-based and ecological farming systems. "This approach aligns with consumer expectations both domestically and internationally, while addressing the environmental and climate challenges facing New Zealand," Larsson said.
The environmental group urged bold, decisive action to prioritize the climate over industry interests, framing the Greens’ proposals as a vital step in the fight against climate change.
"The intensive dairy industry, driven by companies like Fonterra, is New Zealand’s largest climate polluter, emitting significant levels of methane—a superheating greenhouse gas," said Amanda Larsson, Greenpeace spokesperson.
The Green Party’s plan includes phasing out palm kernel and synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, incorporating agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable, ecological farming practices.
Methane’s Climate Impact
Livestock farming is New Zealand’s leading source of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reducing methane emissions from meat and dairy production is considered essential for slowing global warming in the near term.
"New Zealand’s oversized dairy herds, sustained by synthetic inputs, are a major contributor to the climate crisis," Larsson noted. "It’s encouraging to see the Greens take a stand with policies that align agriculture with ecological principles, benefiting farmers, animals, and the environment."
Political Challenges Ahead
Larsson emphasized that the Greens’ success would depend on their ability to push these measures through, should they become part of a governing coalition. She pointed to previous government failures to hold the dairy industry accountable, including under a Green climate change minister who did not bring agriculture into the ETS despite six years in office.
"The Greens must demonstrate unwavering commitment to these policies if elected," she said.
Escalating Climate Concerns
Greenpeace highlighted the urgency of addressing dairy emissions amid escalating climate risks. Record-breaking global temperatures in 2024 have underscored the challenge of keeping warming within the 1.5°C threshold, a target seen as critical to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
"Climate change is an emergency, and methane emissions from meat and dairy are fueling the fire," Larsson warned. "The choices we make now will define the future. We have the technology and tools to act—what’s needed is the political will to use them."
Greenpeace reiterated its call for systemic changes in agriculture, including a shift toward plant-based and ecological farming systems. "This approach aligns with consumer expectations both domestically and internationally, while addressing the environmental and climate challenges facing New Zealand," Larsson said.
The environmental group urged bold, decisive action to prioritize the climate over industry interests, framing the Greens’ proposals as a vital step in the fight against climate change.
