New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Emissions Edge Downwards in Latest Official Data

Latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory data shows a 0.1% decrease in New Zealand's gross emissions, with net emissions falling 2% as the country eyes net-zero by 2050.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 4:02 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Energy Tug-of-War

The energy sector provided a complex set of data in the 2024 report. Emissions from energy production saw the largest increase, a result of low hydro lake levels which forced New Zealand to rely more heavily on burning fossil fuels to meet electricity demands. However, this surge was partially balanced by a decrease in emissions from manufacturing and construction. Ironically, the energy shortage itself caused some industrial companies to slow or halt production, inadvertently lowering their carbon output.

Agriculture: Sheep Down, Dairy Intensity Up

Agriculture continues to be the dominant source of New Zealand’s emissions profile, contributing more than half of the total total. Overall agricultural emissions fell by a slight 0.3%, primarily driven by a declining national sheep flock. In contrast, emissions from the dairy sector rose by 200,000 tonnes (0.8%). While cow numbers are stabilizing, individual productivity has increased, meaning more milk—and more methane—per animal.

The Long-Term Trend

While the 0.1% drop is modest, the broader perspective shows that New Zealand’s emissions peaked in 2006. Since then: